Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve Victoria Falls Reporter
FOOTBALL giants Highlanders FC and Hwange-based Megawatt FC are set to face off in an inaugural charity soccer tournament this weekend at Chinotimba Stadium, Victoria Falls in a thrilling kick-off to the festive season.
The high-profile match marks the beginning of the City of Victoria Falls’ preparations for the 2025 edition of the Mayor’s Cheer Fund.
The charity clash, scheduled for Sunday 30 November 2025, will cap a weekend of sporting excitement, following a social soccer tournament on Saturday 29 November, featuring ten local teams including Palm Group, Vic Falls Hotel, Wild Horizons, and the hosts, Vic Falls City Council.
This football extravaganza is the first of three major events lined up for this year’s Cheer Fund.
The activities are designed to blend community sport, environmental consciousness, and philanthropy.
The Mayor’s Cheer Fund is an annual charitable initiative aimed at mobilising communities, corporate partners, and civic society to raise funds for the less privileged while promoting environmental stewardship. This year, the fund is targeting to raise US$20,000.
The Victoria Falls City Public Relations Officer Mr Leonard Ncube confirmed the scheduled match in a press statement on Tuesday.
“The Wetland City of Victoria Falls has begun preparations for the 2025 edition of the Mayor’s Cheer Fund, with an
inaugural charity soccer tournament to feature Highlanders Football Club and Megawatt Football Club set for this
weekend at Chinotimba Stadium.
“For the second year running, the Mayor’s Cheer Fund will be characterised by a walkathon and clean-up exercise along the Hwange–Victoria Falls highway. The sports extravaganza adds to the flavour of activities that will lead to the launch of the Cheer Fund on December 5, 2025,” he said.
He said the “Walk Green, Walk Clean” walkathon on December 5 is expected to draw over 200 participants from residents, the corporate world, and civic society.
The walk will commence from three different points: the 50km peg between Lubangwe and Matetsi, the 20km peg at Victoria Falls International Airport, and the 10km peg near the grid.
Various stakeholders have partnered with the council and adopted sections of the road to pick litter, aligning the initiative with the national clean-up campaign and the vision of President Mnangagwa, for a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
“The clean-up is also aligned to the National Clean-Up exercise. Victoria Falls has embraced clean up as a daily exercise, underscoring the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” he said.
Proceeds from the Cheer Fund will go towards supporting vulnerable members of the community during the festive season and throughout the year.
The initiative embodies a spirit of community solidarity, compassion, and shared responsibility.
“The Mayor’s Cheer Fund is grateful to sponsors who generously donated towards the 2024 edition and extends heartfelt appreciation to those who have already pledged support for 2025,” he said, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure no member of society is left behind.
As the city prepares for a weekend of sport and a week of purposeful activity, all eyes will be on Chinotimba Stadium this Sunday, where football will not only entertain but also serve a higher cause.
