Online Reporter
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Reporter
ACTION in the preliminary round of the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Munhumutapa Cup explodes across the Eastern Region this weekend, with a full fixture list of Division One matches.
The Munhumutapa Cup, launched by President Mnangagwa last month, is the country’s premier knockout tournament, and is open to both men’s and women’s teams from the top-flight and lower leagues, right down to area zone and grassroots juniors.
It carries a total sponsorship package of US$25 million spread over five years, with the winners of the inaugural tournament this season pocketing a cool US$1 million.
The champions will also earn a ticket to represent Zimbabwe in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Confederation Cup.
ZIFA Eastern Region chairman, Wisdom Simba, said the stage is set for a historic moment.
“This is a historic moment for the region as action kicks off in the Munhumutapa Cup. We are excited with the development, and this promises to be a thrilling ride up to the final. Our confidence is high that teams from this region will hold their own and go all the way in the tournament,” said Simba, adding that the draw for this weekend’s fixtures was conducted in a transparent manner to promote fairness.
“All Eastern Region Division One teams were represented and actively participated in picking lots during the draw. Interestingly, during the exercise the team that was drawn first also went on to pick their own opponents from the hat. The entire draw up to the four teams that will go on to represent the region in the first round is done and dusted,” he said.
The Munhumutapa Cup will be played on a knockout basis. The team drawn first plays at home, with the defeated team being eliminated while winners progress.
From the preliminary rounds, each of the four regions – Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern – produces four teams.
These will join the 10 provincial teams — one from each province — in the men’s competition. This will result in 26 teams advancing to the second knockout round.
The field will then be reduced to 14 teams — 13 winners and the best-placed runner-up — who will progress to the third knockout round, where they will be joined by the 18 Premier Soccer League clubs in the round of 32 around June or July.
The competition will advance through the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final.
A similar process will be followed for women’s football.
Manica Diamonds Juniors coach, Hibron “Adhala Chommiey” Makukutu, described the competition as a boon for local football.
“Broader participation by teams, even from the juniors and area zone, is a clear goal aimed at structured and sustainable football development from the grassroots. The process will also help to identify and nurture blossoming talent. We are excited to be part of this initiative and are looking forward to enjoying our participation,” he said.
Makukutu hailed the competition’s windfall for the eventual champions as a financial cushion during their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.
Half of the US$1 million prize money is given directly to the club, while the remaining US$500 000 is dedicated to finance their African safari.
Destiny Stars gaffer, Itai “Madhinda” Makumi, said they are geared for the competition.
“This is a huge tournament, and we are not here just to make up numbers, but to compete. From the first match, we are going to give it our all as we are not pushovers. We want to make a mark and leave a lasting impression. As Destiny Stars, we have prepared for this competition, and are raring to go as far as we possibly can and cause major upsets along the way. Tournaments of this nature are very unpredictable and we are keen to write a very beautiful underdog story,” he said.
The pick of the crop of this weekend’s fixtures is tomorrow’s (Saturday) local derby between Mutare City Rovers and Destiny Stars at Chisamba Ground.
Former Premiership sides, Buffaloes and Masvingo United also lock horns in a potentially explosive encounter at Mutare Showgrounds on Sunday.
Munhumutapa Cup Eastern Region Division One fixtures:
Saturday:
GreenFuel vs FC Wangu Mazodze (GreenFuel Arena), Bikita Minerals vs Grand Legacy (Lithium),
Four Lions vs Power (Mucheke), Mutare City Rovers vs Destiny Stars (Chisamba Grounds)
Sunday:
Renco Mine vs Yadah Stars (Maramba), Deportivo La Murambinda vs Manica Diamonds Juniors (Uhera Stadium), Tenax CS vs Great Zimbabwe University (Mutare Boys’ High Grounds), Buffaloes vs Masvingo United (Mutare Showgrounds), Chivhu Stars vs Africa Mineral Ventures (Garwe),
Bikita Chida Athletic Club vs Tongogara United (Lithium).
