Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zifa Southern Region will host the second edition of the Champions of Champions tournament next month.
It is a prestigious four-team showcase that brings together the winners of Zimbabwe’s Division One leagues for a final showdown ahead of the 2026 Premier Soccer League season.
The tournament, introduced last year, pits the four regional champions from Southern, Northern, Central and Eastern Regions, in a high-stakes mini competition aimed at celebrating excellence and readiness for top-flight football.
In its inaugural edition, hosted by the Central Region at Bata Stadium last year, ZPC Hwange, now Megawatt, beat Triangle United 2-1 in a thrilling final.
Zifa Southern Region spokesperson Blessing Mbwanda, is excited about the prospect of hosting the second tournament.
“We are excited to be hosting this second edition of the Champions of Champions tournament.
“This is more than just a trophy; it’s about showcasing the best talent from Division One, providing a competitive platform as clubs prepare for life in the Premier Soccer League. It’s also a gift to the fans, who get to witness the kind of quality that feeds into our elite football level.
“As the Southern Region, we are honoured to play a central role in growing the game. Hosting such a prestigious event is a testament to the growth, organisation, and passion for football that exists within our structures.
“We are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience, and we hope this platform will inspire clubs, players and supporters alike,” said Mbwanda.
As the Southern Region prepares to host the elite showdown, the race to represent the region is intensifying.
A bumper midweek schedule kicks off this afternoon, with Bulawayo Chiefs leading the charge after an emphatic 5-0 weekend win over Nust Chiefs. Star man Anesu Saiti scored twice in that game, extending Chiefs’ lead to seven points with just four matches to go.
But controversy brews beneath the surface. Hwange FC and Nkayi United, second and third on the table, have lodged formal complaints regarding Saiti’s eligibility, claiming he featured for two clubs in the same half of the season. Zifa’s disciplinary committee is now reviewing the matter, and the outcome could have major title implications.
To add to that, three board members have since been given a choice to either stay with the regional body or stick to club administration. Hwange’s Khumbulani Mbano has opted for his daily job at Hwange FC. The other two are Nkayi United’s Prince Nyoni and Victoria Falls Herentals’ Tafadzwa Muowa.
Despite the noise, Chiefs remain focused as they visit Eagle Life in today’s key clash.
Chiefs appear firmly in control on 70 points. Hwange trail on 63 and Nkayi on 60.
Hwange will look to rebound from a 1-1 draw when they host Bulawayo City, while Nkayi United, held 0-0 by Casmyn last time out are on a bye as they were meant to face expelled Ajax Hotspurs.
With league honours, promotion and eligibility decisions still hanging in the balance, this afternoon’s matches could well define the season.
Fixtures
Bosso 90 v Nust (Chiefs Village), Casmyn v Jordan (Turk Mine), BlackRock v Mainline (Sinderella), Vic Falls v Zebra Revolution (Chinotimba Stadium), Hwange v Bulawayo City (Hwange Colliery), Eagle Life v Bulawayo Chiefs (Raylton), Nkayi United v Ajax Hotspurs (Cancelled), Talen Vision v Bulawayo Warriors (Filabusi) Imbizo v Megawatt (Lookout Masuku Barracks)
