Zimbabwean professional football in turbulent economic times, 1980–2020

This article discusses the state of Zimbabwean professional football under the turbulent times of the period 1980–2020 and how it has survived during times of socio-economic crisis in the country. News stories on issues of the Zimbabwean Premier League reveal the state of the league over the last 40 years since independence. Issues of sponsorship, player welfare, and match attendance were affected by the socio-economic crises that hit Zimbabwe across three phases. Nonetheless, the league has also made significant progress since the Government of National Unity in Zimbabwe and dollarisation, which has seen stability being realised in the league.