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Eddie Chikamhi, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE echoes from yesterday’s launch of the lucrative Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in Harare reverberated well beyond Zimbabwe’s borders — and among those who noticed was Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
Infantino, who last visited Zimbabwe in 2017, expressed his excitement in a video message addressed to President Mnangagwa, the country’s football leaders and local supporters. He said the newly unveiled tournament had the potential to transform Zimbabwean football.
The five-year, all inclusive US$25 million Munhumutapa Challenge Cup was widely hailed by stakeholders as a historic breakthrough for the domestic game.
“President of Zimbabwe, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Zifa President, my friend, Nqobile Magwizi, and all my friends in Zimbabwe. What a great day for football in your wonderful country. The launch of the Zifa Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is a momentous occasion for our beloved sport and I congratulate you all for bringing this tremendous, fabulous project to life,” Infantino said.
The US$5 million per year competition is poised to become one of Africa’s biggest in terms of investment, reach and inclusivity. More than 1 000 teams across men’s and women’s top-flight football, lower divisions, junior football, Area Zones, futsal and beach soccer are expected to take part.
Regional football leaders David Fani and Sue Destombes were among the guests at yesterday’s launch.
Infantino said he was impressed by the strong Government support behind the initiative.
“I’m especially heartened that it has such a strong governmental support. So thank you for that, Mr President, and it will give even more momentum to the fantastic work of all the teams at the Zimbabwe Football Association.
“The far-reaching impact of this tournament is an honour, and particularly gives me cause for joy as it mirrors Fifa’s own goal of making football accessible to all. I congratulate you again and thank you for all that you are doing to make football the beautiful game, even more beautiful in beautiful Zimbabwe,” said Infantino.
Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi said the competition would open new opportunities at every level of the game.
“It is structured, it is inclusive, and it is transformational. This is the most comprehensive competition ever undertaken by Zimbabwean football. It spans areas from the Premier League, to the grassroots, to the elite, women’s football, futsal, and beach sports. It is national in scale,” said Magwizi.
Zifa Northern Region Soccer League chairman Sweeney Mushonga said football across the country stood to benefit.
“This is an exciting development for our football, with lots of benefits to the local football ecosystem. I can say we are on threshold moment because we have never seen anything like this in the history of our game. It brings unity from the top to the bottom levels of our football and my prayer is that a team from NRSL will win this. We also look forward to identifying new players.”
Mushonga said the sponsorship was a strong endorsement of football leadership and urged the corporate sector to consider partnering with the sport.
“This level of support means a lot. You cannot put your money where you have doubts and I believe this tournament will be run professionally, maintaining the integrity of the game.
“This should send a strong message to the corporate world and prospective sponsors. We should see a lot of downstream benefits, able to assist all the leagues down the football pyramid,” said Mushonga.
Online Reporter