Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THERE is an air of excitement swirling among grassroots football coaches on the eve of the start of the inaugural Munhumutapa Cup across the country this weekend.
In a somewhat double-edged sword aimed at expediting development, ZIFA will also have the BancABC Roots Impact programme, which could give the previously marginalised talent a rare chance to shine on a bigger stage.
Undoubtedly the country’s biggest football knock-out tournament, the Munhumutapa Cup, which kicks-off this weekend, will include teams from the lower divisions in regions, provinces and Area Zones.
The competition also caters to boys’ and Gilrs Under-14 and Under-16 sides including those from academies.
Draws across the country were set to be conducted in the respective ZIFA affiliates between yesterday and tomorrow.
ZIFA outlined the competition’s format on Tuesday in Harare, and it has left the protagonists of development football relishing the start of the games, which will also help them to gauge their levels of competitiveness.
“It’s a massive development not only in terms of the monetary value but also because of its inclusivity.
“This is a great chance for teams that were previously unknown to showcase what they can do on the pitch, at the same time it will give a platform for unheralded players,” said Blessing Dirwai, Sporting Braga Academy coach.
The academy is based in Chitungwiza and is one of the several academies that participate in the Chitungwiza Junior Football Development League.
Sponsored to the tune of US$25 million, for the next five years, the Munhumutapa Cup is designed to augment football development.
Winners of this Cup will also represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Over 1 000 teams from the lower divisions and Area Zones are expected to participate in men’s and women’s football.
Alongside, the BancABC Roots Impact Programme for junior football, the Munhumutapa Cup could transform grassroots football development in Zimbabwe.
While the nitty-gritties of the two programmes were being outlined in Harare on Tuesday, the echoes were being felt from as far as Binga in Matabeleland North.
Binga Academy coach, Pride Ngwenya, has been following the events with keen interest.
“I was following events from here in Binga, and I can tell you the Munhumutapa Cup and the BancABC Roots Impact Programme are a special thing.
“As the Binga community, it will give us a chance to compete with the top teams.
“At the end of the day this will help us get sponsors because people will have watched players from this part of the country.
“We will grow in football, stadiums will be improved, it’s one of the most special things that has ever happened in local football,” Ngwenya told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“As Binga Academy we will be part of it, we want to market some of our players, we have lots of untapped talent, some who can even play for the national team.
“Compared to what we have seen, the talent we have, we can see that some of our boys are even better than those who are selected for junior national teams.
“It’s just because our players are lacking that breakthrough. Imagine Scottland Juniors v Binga Academy in the BancABC Roots Impact, that will be a big motivation for our boys,” added Ngwenya.
ZIFA technical director Dominique Niyonzima likened both the Munhumutapa Cup and the BancABC Roots Impact programmes to match-day assists adding that they will spur on development of the game across all its facets including the Five-A-Side and Beach versions.
