EXACTLY a month from today - on 12 March - the Buddie Premier Soccer League explodes into life, with Zimbabwe's topflight clubs grinding it out for the most prestigious accolade in club football.

Econet Wireless, through their Buddie pre-paid brand, have pumped a staggering $2billion into this year's Premiership, clearing the field for potential thrillers following a lacklustre 2004 soccer season in which eventual champions, Caps United, ran amok.

It was a season without much competition as United rode roughshod over an opposition that had nothing to offer in terms of quality.

With bitter rivals Dynamos torn apart by internal strife, and with AmaZulu and Highlanders grappling with financial woes, Caps were to dominate the entire season, falling only once - to Bosso - on their way to winning only their third league honours in their 31-year history.

But this year, signs are it will be a dogfight to the bitter end.

PSL secretary Chris Sambo says they are still to meet as a management committee to decide on the breakdown of what each contestant would receive come December, revealing the figures will "definitely" be out before the league's Annual General Meeting on 26 February, in the Midlands city of Kwekwe.

Last year, Caps took the winners' cheque of $30million, a paltry figure that was condemned by clubs even before the championship got under way.

But with Buddie upping the stakes, the stage has been set for bloody tussles as shown by a busy off-season, in which clubs were prepared to break the bank to get targeted players.

The fact Premiership rookies Monomotapa have beaten established giants Caps to the signature of Malawi national team skipper Peter Mponda, should be enough to show how serious clubs are taking 2005. Eiffel Flats beat a full-strength Makepekepe 4-2 at Rimuka last Saturday and thatcan only mean the last thing to decide matches this season would be the form book.

In spite of the departure of three or four seasoned players at the end of last season, Bosso can only be discounted at one's peril, as the Bulawayo giants are famed for unearthing new, dangerous talent when they appear out for the count.

Highlanders have let go the Zambian duo of Dabwitso Nkoma and Charles Chilufya, but our Bulawayo bureau reports Warriors striker Joel Lupahla, back from an unhappy stint in Cyprus, is training with the team, and so are prodigal son Thabani Masawi, Charles Maguraushe and Mlungisi Ndebele, both formerly of Masvingo United.

What makes Bosso a dangerous proposition no matter what shape they are in are their traditional fighting qualities, and a fanatical fan-base that always plays the role of the 12th man in a match. A trouble-free, financially-sound Dynamos is bad news on any given day, and following a sponsorship of at-least $2,8billion - and the return of favourite son Sunday Chidzambwa - meeting the Glamour Boys is no picnic this season.

After merging with veteran First Division campaigners Kadoma Wildcats during the off-season, Eiffel Flats have become quite a formidable force, a far cry from the whipping boys of yesteryear. Sundowns have lured Sikhumbuzo Banda from Zimbabwe Saints, and Railstars have signed former AmaZulu frontman Norman Khomani as they look to have a say in the Premiership marathon.

Motor Action fancy themselves the 'Chelsea' of Zimbabwe, and have gone on a shopping spree, signing hitman Njabulo Ncube from Railstars, Chilufya and Nkoma from Bosso, but the interesting thing is the Mighty Bulls were easily overrun by a slick Monomotapa at Callies last weekend, again confirming the formbook is bound for the fire.

Chapungu United's preparations have been hit by lack of funds, and Masvingo United are relying on continuity to mount their challenge.

Shabani Mine, on a free-fall since Asani Juma and Thomas Makwasha took the Premier League by storm in 2001, have been quiet so far on the transfer market.

Buymore have been out shopping too, bringing in James Matola from Dynamos, veteran keeper Gift Muzadzi, defensive linkman Edwin Tinarwo and Dylan Chirodza from Kwekwe Cables, two players from Douglas Warriors and a couple more from the lower leagues. Former Warriors fitness trainer Gerald Maguranyanga is also with the side, a sure sign PSMAS boss Cuthbert Dube's boys are not in it to make up the numbers.

Black Rhinos have sent coach Nesbert Saruchera for a refresher course in South Africa, and say they cannot be discounted to rise from the ashes.

Wankie have always provided a stiff challenge at home, but this year they say they will be equally dangerous on the road.

Maybe Buymore vice captain More Moyo, perfectly captures the mood in the Premiership this season.

"We will be up there, with the best of them; there is nothing like a big or small team this time around," he declared.