A weekend that promised redemption for some and affirmation for others ended in raw drama as Ngezi Platinum stormed into Harare and walked away with CAPS United's pride tucked in their back pockets.
Elsewhere, giants stumbled, newcomers soared, and the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League took a decisive twist in tone and tempo after just five rounds.
From Rufaro's heartbreak to MWOS' Baobab fairytale, from Triangle's nosedive to Dynamos' growing identity crisis - Zimbabwe's top flight is already simmering with chaos, promise, and power plays. And make no mistake: the script is being written fast, in bold ink and sharper detail, with each matchday.
CAPS Left Seeing Stars
For the Green Machine, Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Ngezi Platinum was more than just three points lost - it was a loud siren blaring through the rafters at Rufaro.
The defeat marked their third of the season, and with only one win from five, Makepekepe's early promise is quickly being drowned in defensive frailty and a lack of cutting edge.
Ngezi, meanwhile, underlined why many have tipped them as firm title contenders.
Takesure Chiragwi's men are unbeaten in five, boasting four wins and a draw, and top the table with 13 points. They were composed, clinical, and relentless - everything CAPS weren't.
Bosso Slowed, Dynamos Drown Again
Across the country in Gibbo, Highlanders were denied a win by a spirited Triangle United side. The 1-1 draw felt like a victory for the hosts - still winless and rooted at the bottom of the log - but for Bosso, it was a missed opportunity to stay within striking distance of the frontrunners.
Kelvin Kaindu's side has drawn three of their last five, and questions are starting to swirl around their killer instinct.
And then there's Dynamos. The Harare giants, who edged Simba Bhora last weekend, were brought crashing back down to earth by a revitalised Manica Diamonds outfit in Sakubva.
A 1-0 defeat has left DeMbare with only one win so far - and none on the road. For a side with championship ambitions, the early inconsistencies are starting to weigh heavily.
MWOS Defy Odds - From Norton to Ngezi
Nomads in the top flight, MWOS are proving to be anything, but lost. Forced to play their home matches at Baobab Stadium in Ngezi due to delays in upgrading their Ngoni Stadium in Norton, the PSL debutants have adapted with remarkable resolve.
Their 1-0 win over ZPC Kariba keeps them unbeaten and parked firmly in second place, with three wins and two draws.
It's not just the points - it's the way they're grinding out results, with composure and courage far beyond what one expects of new boys. If their Norton fortress ever gets the green light, one can only imagine how much stronger they'll become.
Scottland Keep It Moving
Scottland FC continued to impress in their maiden top-flight campaign, hammering Bikita Minerals 3-0 to remain third on the table.
Their blend of speed and swagger is refreshing, and they've now bagged seven goals in five matches - joint-highest in the league.
Elsewhere Around the League
GreenFuel edged Yadah 1-0 to maintain their top-five position, while Simba Bhora bounced back from their Round 4 loss to Dynamos with a 1-0 win over TelOne. Defending champions FC Platinum were held to another draw - this time by Kwekwe United - and find themselves eighth, still unbeaten, but with just one win in five.
Chicken Inn and Herentals played out a dour 0-0 draw in Bulawayo, a result that does neither team much good. Meanwhile, Triangle's solitary point in five matches signals early signs of distress, with coach Luke Masomere under mounting pressure.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Standings Snapshot (Top 5):
1.Ngezi Platinum 13 pts
2.MWOS 11 pts
3.Scottland 10 pts
4.Manica Diamonds 10 pts
5.GreenFuel 8 pts
Looking Ahead
As the PSL barrels toward Matchday 6, one thing is clear - this is a season that refuses to stick to a script.
Traditional powerhouses are staggering, ambitious upstarts are thriving, and every weekend seems to turn the table on its head.
The league may only be five rounds old, but the intensity, unpredictability, and raw theatre already promise a blockbuster campaign.
