By McGeorge Mbare
THE battle for top honours in the inaugural ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup continues this weekend as four clubs from the Central Region Soccer League Division One and one from the ZIFA Matabeleland South Division 2 prepare to play.
Central Region Soccer League Division One representatives include Chapungu, Blanket Mine,Kwekwe United and Gwanda Pirates, while ZIFA Matebeleland South Division 2 is represented by Beitbridge side Nottingham Estate.
Fourteen fixtures will be played across Saturday and Sunday, with all matches kicking off at 3pm at venues spread across the country.
From experienced community clubs to ambitious emerging sides, every team will be aiming to secure a place in the next round and keep alive the dream of lifting one of Zimbabwean football’s newest and most exciting trophies.
In a notable fixture, Central Region Soccer League Division One side Gwanda Pirates FC and Northern Region Soccer League Division One side Harare City are set to battle it out at Phelandaba Stadium on Saturday, 11 July 2026.
The Gwanda Pirates FC – Harare City fixture won’t be an easy one, as both teams are quite competitive and are in form, also fighting for Premier Soccer League promotion in their respective Division One leagues.
In another fixture, Central Region Soccer League Division One second-placed side Chapungu United face MWOS U19 FC at Ascot Stadium.
Backed by the home crowd, Chapungu FC have an edge over the Panthers development side.
The action continues on Sunday with Kwekwe United taking on Deportivo La Murambinda at Baghdad Stadium, while Buffaloes FC welcome Central Region Soccer League Division One log leaders Blanket Mine to Mutare Showground.
The Kwekwe United vs Deportivo La Murambinda match will not be an easy fixture, with players such as Donald Ngoma who has been outstanding for Kwekwe United aiming to push up the top scorer chart.
Donald Ngoma has recorded 3 goals in this tournament after scoring 2 goals against Matobo and 1 goal against West Nicholson.
The ZIFA Matabeleland South Division 2 and Beitbridge side Nottingham Estates will be taking on Norton Big Boys at Dulibadzimu Stadium on Sunday, 12 July 2026.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup forms part of ZIFA’s broader vision to strengthen football development by creating meaningful competitive opportunities for clubs from every corner of the country.
The competition provides a national platform for players to showcase their talent, inspires communities to rally behind their local clubs, and strengthens the pathway from grassroots football to the highest levels of the game.
Ahead of their clash with Harare City, Gwanda Pirates FC posted “Stand up and wait for wayaa, deadball specialists, come and witness Gwanda Pirates take on Harare City at Phelandaba Stadium tomorrow,”.
As with every knockout competition, there is little room for error.
Ninety minutes can define a season, create new heroes and produce memorable moments that become part of football folklore for the remaining Central Region Soccer League Division One and ZIFA Matebeleland South Division 2 representatives.