By Prince Chese
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially launched the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in Harare, marking Zimbabwe’s biggest knockout tournament since 2005.
The ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is Valued at USD25 million annually and will welcome clubs from the Premiership all the way to local divisions, creating nationwide opportunities for talent and growth.
The tournament is backed by a total sponsorship package of USD5 million per season which has become the largest single-season investment ever committed to a cup competition in Zimbabwean football.
On the launch Mnangangwa said: “This competition is more than a trophy; it is an investment in our young people, our communities and the future of Zimbabwean sport. Let it widen opportunity, strengthen unity, and lift standards across our football ecosystem.”
Speaking at the launch, Zimbabwe football Association, President Nqobile Magwizi described the launch as a landmark moment in the Association’s renewal agenda and a clear demonstration that Zimbabwe football is ready to move forward with purpose.
“Tonight is a declaration of intent. The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup represents progress, structure and opportunity. It is a competition that will energise the entire domestic game – from our biggest clubs to emerging communities – and it marks the beginning of a new era of football development in Zimbabwe.”Magwizi said.
Teams from the Premiership such as Mwos, Dynamos and Highlanders, Central Region Soccer League Division One side Vhembe Stars Academy, Dulivhadzimu, Gwanda Pirates and the rest of CRSL, Southen Region Soccer League Division One, Northern Region Soccer League Division One and the Eastern Region Soccer League Division One sides will participate in this historic tournament.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, the Central Region Soccer League Division One side, Dulibadzimu United ‘s representative Mandlenkosi Bongo Moyo said“ We are excited to be part of the competition and see it as a valuable learning experience for our team. As a relatively new team in the competition and with young coaches, our focus is on development and gaining exposure.
We are looking forward to the challenge and appreciate the opportunity to compete”.
The senior men’s champions will walk away with USD 1 million and earn a spot to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
On featuring in the tournament, Bongo said“Our main strength is definitely the energy and support from our fans. We are fortunate to have a passionate group of supporters who believe in the team, and we are looking to harness that energy to drive us forward in the competition
And also the backing of the community which we are proud to represent our community in the Munhumutapa Cup, and their support means a lot to us Dulibadzimu Township and the Municipality drives us all the way,”.
Echoing similar sentiments shared by other football stakeholders at the launch, Dynamos chairman Vincent Chawonza welcomed the inclusivity and financial commitment behind the tournament.
“This is good because internationally both women and men, as well as Division One and Two teams, are involved in the cup. The prize money is very encouraging because it is the highest amount ever to be sponsored in our football history. This is refreshing,” said Chawonza at the Munhumutapa Cup launch.
The champions of the women challenge Cup will walk away with USD $200K, beach Soccer with $20K, Futsal with $30k and junior challenge Cup category champions with USD $100K.