Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIFA Southern Region chairman Chris Mtungwazi has called on football administrators across the country to close ranks and focus on rebuilding the game following the launch of the $25 million Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
The new national tournament, unveiled in Harare last week by President Mnangagwa, is being positioned as one of the biggest competitions ever introduced in local football.
For Mtungwazi, though, the lasting message from the launch was not the prize money.
It was the call for unity.
“Football unites people across the world. The President said it and everyone who was there heard the message,” Mtungwazi said.
“If the First Citizen says football must unite people, then as administrators we must take that seriously.
“I am urging fellow leaders in the game to work together for the good of Zimbabwean football.”
Organisers have also included women’s football, futsal and beach soccer in the structure of the tournament.
Its launch comes at a time when ZIFA has been rolling out several programmes aimed at rebuilding the sport.
Among them is the BancABC Roots Impact Programme, a grassroots development initiative expected to reach thousands of young players around the country.
The association has also signed a partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to ensure football is played throughout the year in schools, while teachers receive technical training. Mtungwazi believes such initiatives can only succeed if administrators pull in the same direction.
ese are important steps for Zimbabwean football and I think the leadership under president Nqobile Magwizi deserves support,” he said.
“He is the leader of the association and we must respect that. We were all elected to serve football and we should work together so that the game benefits.”
Mathew Masinge