By McGeorge Mbare
IN exactly 30 days, the Ziyah Media Schools Soccer Tournament 2026 kicks off in Beitbridge, bringing together passionate football fans and teams from across Beitbridge District and other districts in Matabeleland South Province.
The tournament is scheduled for November 28–29, 2026, with the fourth edition expected to surpass the records set by previous editions.
The tournament will showcase the province’s emerging football talent among both boys and girls.
Previous tournaments featured teams from Beitbridge, and Chibi Secondary School of Masvingo,
This year, however, the competition expands to cover the entire province, promising an even bigger event and attracting more distinguished guests.
Last year, Peter Ndlovu, one of Africa’s greatest footballers, graced the tournament as the guest of honour.
This year’s edition promises another surprise, with a high-profile guest expected to attend.
Among the new teams joining the competition are Dombodema High School, representing Bulilima, Gwanda High School from Gwanda North,Mawabeni High School from Umzingwane,Bazha Secondary School from Matobo, Bengo Secondary School from Gwanda South, Dekezi High School from Insiza and Bulu High School from Mangwe.
One of the teams to watch out for will be Bengo Secondary School, which enters the tournament following an impressive run as runners-up in the provincial National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) Under-20 competition.
The school lost to Beitbridge’s Tongwe High School in the final, setting the stage for another exciting encounter should the two sides meet again.
On the girls’ side, four teams, all from Beitbridge, will battle for the championship: Tongwe High School, Malungudzi Secondary School, Kwalu Secondary School and Matshiloni Secondary School.
Ziyah Media has confirmed that every participating team will receive a participation kit, continuing a tradition established in previous editions of the tournament.
Driven by a love for the game, passion and ambition, the Ziyah Annual Soccer Tournament 2026 promises unforgettable moments, thrilling encounters and a joyful atmosphere for players, supporters and football lovers alike.
With just 30 days to go, excitement is building as Beitbridge prepares to host what promises to be a memorable celebration of grassroots football and sporting excellence across Matabeleland South Province.
According to the organisers, the group stage draw for the tournament will be held in a anytime soon, although the exact date has not yet been officially announced.