By McGeorge Mbare
UNHERALDED Beitbridge based junior football teams Vhembe Stars Academy and Skedza FC and have stormed into the finals of the inaugural money-spinning Munhumutapa Cup writing their piece of history representing Matabeleland South Province at the Munhumutapa.
The two both from the border town are in the Junior League National Finals, scheduled for November 19–22, 2026, in Bulawayo.
This speaks volumes of the future of Beitbridge sports particularly soccer where the border town has hit the ground running courtesy of the investments by Vhembe Stars Academy and Skedza FC.
According to a Zimbabwe Football Association statement dated October 12, Skedza FC will field its Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ teams, while Vhembe Stars Academy will be represented by its Under-16 girls’ team at the national tournament.
Skedza FC’s Under-14 boys will compete against Scotland Academy from Harare, Lowveld Football Development from Masvingo, Ingagula from Matabeleland North, Bright Stars Academy from Mashonaland West, Genesis Soccer Academy from Mashonaland Central, Lobengula United from host province Bulawayo, Hauna Sweepers from Manicaland and Betta Bullets Academy from the Midlands Province.
Vhembe Stars Academy’s Under-16 girls will face stiff competition from CAPS United Royals, Maningi FC, Young Sables Soccer Academy, MWOS Queens, Mpopoma Sports Academy, Chimoby Academy and Betta Bullets Academy Queens.
Skedza FC’s Under-16 boys will battle Black Hunters Academy, Triangle Legends, Baobab Rovers, MWOS Juniors, Buse Academy, Biya 4 Academy and FC Reactors for national honours.
The Under-16 boys’ category will also feature National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) representatives Rusungunoko and Somvubu High School, while Rufaro and Nyamauru High School will represent NASH in the Under-16 girls’ category.
In an interview with Ziyah News Network, Vhembe Stars Academy secretary-general Foster Abeki, popularly known as Gaddafi, hailed the club’s achievement, describing it as a significant milestone for women’s football in Beitbridge.
He encouraged the team to aim higher and make the most of the opportunity to compete on the national stage.
“You know, women’s soccer is mostly underrated by people, but we are really proud to have a team reaching such a milestone. We are happy and I wish them well. I hope they can go further, reach an even higher level or win the tournament if they can,” Abeki said.
Gaddafi also said that the academy’s qualification for the national finals reflected the passion and commitment of people working to build a lasting legacy for young female footballers in Beitbridge.
He said it would be a great honour for both the Beitbridge community and Vhembe Stars Academy to see their girls competing at such a high level.
“My ambition is to see one or two of our players excel, gain exposure and possibly be selected for the Zimbabwe youth national team based on their performances at such a prestigious tournament,” he said.
The national finals present an important opportunity for the Junior League teams to showcase their talent, gain valuable experience and raise the profile of junior football across the country
For Vhembe Stars Academy, the tournament also offers a platform to demonstrate the potential of young female footballers and inspire more girls in the community to pursue the sport.