Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MORE than 100 footgolf players, including several from Manicaland, will converge at Kadoma Golf Course tomorrow (Saturday) for the National 100 Point Footgolf Tournament, marking a major milestone in the sport’s short history in Zimbabwe.
With an expected turnout of over 100 participants, the event promises to be the biggest tournament ever staged by Zimbabwe Footgolf Association since its formation four years ago.
The 36 hole competition carries triple significance: it will allow selected juniors to accumulate points for the 2026 FIFG Junior World Cup in Germany, prepare Zimbabwe’s squad for the upcoming World Cup in Mexico, and strengthen the sport’s local competitive base.
The tournament follows recent Level Two coaching and Level One refereeing courses held in Kadoma and Bulawayo, where nearly 100 officials were trained—adding to the anticipation of a high quality contest.
Big names such as Senator Eleven Kambizi, Stanslous Nyachowe, Angelica Garira, Beauty Mushave, Keith Savanhu, Betty Mashonganyika, and Vanessa Munyuki are among those expected to light up the competition.
Games technical director Simbarashe Gwizo said: “These players have already proved themselves in both local and regional tournaments. They have battled in South Africa, Zambia, and at the Africa Open Footgolf Tournament hosted at the majestic Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls last November.”
Footgolf — a hybrid of football and traditional golf, played by kicking a size five soccer ball into a 52cm ground hole — has taken Zimbabwe by storm.
Now established in all 72 sporting districts and 10 provinces, the “sport of the future” embraces players from as young as four to as old as 80, with men and women competing both individually and in teams.
Introduced in 2022 by Daniel Kuwengwa, the game already boasts nearly 400 registered active players.
Games technical director, Simbarashe Gwizo said the upcoming Kadoma tournament will serve as vital preparation for Zimbabwe’s maiden appearance at the Footgolf World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico (May–June), as well as the Junior World Cup in Germany in July 2026.
“Zimbabwe already has teams set to bring national honours, but sponsorship is still needed to take on top players from the USA, South Africa, Morocco and beyond,” he noted.
The two day, 36 hole contest at Kadoma promises to test even seasoned footgolfers.
With well kept fairways, the course is expected to provide a challenging yet rewarding battleground.
Technical coordinator, Patience Mataire, expressed satisfaction with the strong pace of registrations on the international BlueGolf platform.
Competition will feature Junior, Men/Women, Senior Men/Women, and Senior Plus categories, with medals and memorabilia up for grabs.
For juniors, the tournament doubles as a selection ground for Zimbabwe’s representatives to the Junior World Cup.
National marketing director, Angelica Garira, urged the corporate sector to support the Zimbabwe Footgolf Association, stressing the sport’s role in promoting tourism and showcasing Zimbabwe on the global stage.
