Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) president Nqobile Magwizi says the inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup represents a major step in the association’s efforts to transform the country’s football landscape by creating opportunities from grassroots level through to the professional game.
Addressing guests during the Round of 32 Grand Draw in Harare, Magwizi applauded the Government, sponsors and other partners for their continued backing of ZIFA programmes, saying their support has been instrumental in turning the ambitious competition into reality.
The tournament will move into the Round of 32 on the weekend of August 6 and 7, when Premier Soccer League and Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League clubs officially join the competition. The eventual champions will walk away with a US$1 million prize and earn Zimbabwe’s slot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
“The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is far more than a football competition. It is a national movement that has brought communities together, created opportunities for hundreds of clubs and thousands of players, and reaffirmed our commitment to building an inclusive football ecosystem where every team has the opportunity to dream.
“Seeing more than 450 men’s and women’s teams participate in this inaugural edition is a powerful statement about the passion that exists for football across Zimbabwe. This draw represents another important milestone as we welcome our Premier League clubs into the competition and prepare for a Round of 32 that promises quality, excitement and unforgettable moments. We remain grateful to our Government, sponsors, partners and every stakeholder whose support continues to make this vision possible,” Magwizi said.
The competition has attracted more than 450 men’s and women’s teams from across the country since its launch, with clubs battling through preliminary rounds to secure places in the last 32. The latest draw officially ushered in top-flight clubs, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested knockout phase.
Among the standout fixtures in the men’s competition, reigning Premier Soccer League champions Scotland FC have been paired with Manica Diamonds, while Dynamos will travel to Hwange FC. Chicken Inn FC face Ngezi Platinum Stars in another all-top-flight encounter, Highlanders begin away to Blackrock, CAPS United take on Scottland Academy, FC Platinum meet Marere FC, and TelOne FC face Blanket Mine FC.
The women’s draw also produced several intriguing match-ups, with Scottland Queens facing CAPS United Royals, Black Rhinos Queens taking on Waverly Queens, Highlanders Royals meeting Black Mambas Queens, and Cranborne Royals playing Chapungu Queens. Chegutu Community Queens progressed automatically after receiving a berth.
The occasion also marked the unveiling of Dream 2030, ZIFA’s long-term strategy aimed at securing Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. According to Magwizi, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is central to that vision by exposing more local talent to competitive football.
“We are launching the ambitious Dream 2030 project where we are planning and putting resources together to qualify for the World Cup. This tournament is part of that project as it broadens the talent pool, gives local players more competition and increases game time,” he said.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the initiative, with Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Nicholas Moyo saying adequate resources would be provided to help turn the vision into reality.
“We are fully behind this project, and Government has committed to funding it to make sure that the Warriors qualify for the World Cup,” said Moyo.
New Ziana
