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Fungai Muderere
AS Zimbabwe celebrates 46 years of Independence, this year’s Five-A-Side Uhuru Cup is set to deliver both excitement and history, with organisers confirming a venue change and a landmark breakthrough in women’s participation.
Originally scheduled for Gwabalanda’s Football for Hope Centre, the Independence Day futsal tournament will now be held at Parkview Grounds along Harare Road, with the change taking immediate effect for all fixtures to be played on Sunday.
Despite the shift, anticipation remains high for what promises to be one of the standout sporting events of the Uhuru celebrations.
For the first time, women’s teams will take part in the Independence Futsal Cup, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the game. The development adds a new dimension to a competition that has long been dominated by men’s teams.
The women’s matches will see Nust FC take on Southwonder FC in the opening fixture, followed by Filabusi Queens facing Street Set FC, while GD5 FC clash with Mictech Stars as teams battle for a place in a historic final.
In the men’s category, defending champions Go Boyz return to defend their crown against a strong field that includes TNS, Nedbank FC, Southwonder, Mictech Stars, Amabhubesi, Nust and Fox. Matches are expected to be fast-paced, kicking off at 9am and building up to a thrilling final later in the day.
Five-A-Side national president Philani Banda is on record saying the inclusion of women’s teams reflects the sport’s steady growth.
“This is a competition we have hosted year in and year out, and it continues to grow. Bringing in women’s teams is part of that growth as we look to expand the game and create more opportunities,” he said.
The tournament will also act as a curtain-raiser for the 2026 league season, following a successful inaugural campaign last year.
All eyes will once again be on Go Boyz, who dominated the previous season by winning both the Independence Cup and league title. Their star player Thabani Mlilo walked away with the Golden Boot and Player of the Season accolades, while Keith Ncube was named Goalkeeper of the Year.
However, beyond the competition and silverware, this year’s Uhuru Cup carries deeper meaning. The inclusion of women’s teams signals a shift towards inclusivity and progress, mirroring the broader national journey since independence.
Organisers have urged all participating clubs to take note of the venue change and liaise with officials for any clarifications, assuring teams of a well-organised and memorable tournament.
From the first whistle to the final celebrations, the 2026 Uhuru Cup is set to be more than just a tournament, it will be a celebration of unity, growth and the evolving face of Zimbabwean sport.
Online Reporter