By McGeorge Mbare
BEITBRIDGE’s rising football academies, Skedza Academy and Vhembe Stars Academy, are gearing up for a major test as they prepare to represent Matabeleland South Province at the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup national finals.
The prestigious tournament is scheduled for November 19–22, 2026.
Vhembe Stars Academy Queens U16 earned their place in the national competition after an emphatic 5-0 victory over Collen Bawn in the provincial final away from home.
Skedza Academy U14 boys secured their spot after defeating the Vhembe Stars Academy boys’ side 5-3 at Dulivhadzimu Stadium.
The two Beitbridge teams are flying the border town’s flag high while also preparing to represent Matebeleland South province on the national stage.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network, Skedza Academy owner Prince Mangere said preparations were progressing well, expressing that his players were looking forward to testing themselves against quality opposition.
“Everything is well. We are well prepared and ready to go and compete. This will be a great challenge and we will do our best there,” Mangere said.
Skedza Academy will field two boys’ teams in the national competition, competing in both the Under-14 and Under-16 categories.
Skedza Academy Under-16 side has been drawn in Group B, where they will lock horns with FC Reactors from Manicaland, Triangle Legends Juniors from Masvingo and Biya 4 Academy from Bulawayo.
Their Under-14 counterparts have also been placed in Group B, alongside Lobengula United Juniors of Bulawayo, Lowveld Football Development Academy from Masvingo Province and Hauna Sweepers Academy from Manicaland.
The group promises competitive encounters, with Skedza Academy expected to rely on teamwork, technical ability and tactical awareness of their key players such as Junior Rusten, Tom Shoko and Tafadzwa Chanyuruka.
The Three players once received a national call up for the Zimbabwe Under-15 boys’ team on September 2026 however they did not make it to the final squad.
They will be eager to showcase that they have what it takes to play ion big stages.
On the girls’ front, Vhembe Stars Academy will carry the hopes of Beitbridge and Matabeleland South in the Under-16 category.
The Vhembe Stars girls have been drawn alongside established opponents Mpopoma Sports Academy, Maninginfc and Chimoby Football Academy.
Beyond the pursuit of silverware, the national finals will provide the youngsters with invaluable exposure, allowing them to test their technical abilities, improve their tactical understanding and gain experience against different footballing styles.
For Skedza Academy and Vhembe Stars Academy, the challenge goes beyond simply representing their province.
It is an opportunity to put Beitbridge junior football on the national map while demonstrating the growing potential of grassroots football in Matabeleland South.
As the countdown to the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup begins, all eyes will be on the two Beitbridge academies as they prepare to make their mark on the national stage and write a new chapter in the province’s junior football history.