Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
IT will be a chance for transformation for women’s football when the ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup gets underway this weekend.
The national tournament draws together 32 men’s teams from across the leagues following rounds of knock-out games, while for women, 31 teams are to compete.
This comes after Chegutu Community Queens received a Round of 32 bye.
That matches are scheduled to run concurrently nationwide between Friday and Monday has generated some excitement across the provinces.
The Munhumutapa Cup becomes the first and only national tournament for domestic women’s football, and it comes at a time when ZIFA are making efforts to revive the game.
With US$200 000 up for grabs as prize money in the women’s category, it is a chance for the clubs to win and turn their financial fortunes around.
“For years, domestic women’s football clubs have struggled financially, operating on shoestring budgets, without sponsorship and no cup competitions, but this weekend brings a whole new story,” said ZIFA vice-president Loveness Mukura.
“It feels like a breath of fresh air, although there is a big room for improvement, teams will be out to give it their all, knowing that their future (financially) could be transformed.
“This is the first national tournament for women’s football; locally cup contests have come before, but none was as big as this one; may the best team win.”
Financial strain has in the past affected several women’s clubs, resulting in league drop-outs, while some clubs have been walked over after failing to fulfil fixtures.
In 2024, Masvingo side Shine Shine endured severe financial problems in their maiden top-flight campaign.
They failed to fulfil a number of fixtures and were eventually demoted as points were awarded to opponents after disciplinary rulings.
Last year, Nyazura’s Red Buffaloes and Bulawayo-based Mpopoma Academy also struggled to meet travel and match commitments, resulting in postponed matches and walkovers.
This year, Rise of Hope Academy signalled a red flag early in the ZWPSL season owing to financial constraints before officially withdrawing from the league.
Former Mighty Warriors captain Talent Mandaza feels this tournament could help curb some financial challenges for winning teams.
“Most of the clubs are literally running on dry coffers, and winning this cup will at least change life for them,” she said.
“When they have finances, it means they can plan, and administratively, life becomes easier, so this weekend is a key moment for us.
“So much talent has been lost over the years due to lack of financial muscle for clubs, resulting in girls dropping out; it has been a difficult era, and winning the cup will be huge for any club.”
While ordinarily a top-flight club needs at least US$300 000 for its season, the US$200 000 can ease the pressure.
MWOS Queens coach Primrose Serima also hailed the Munhumutapa Cup, emphasising that it adds another platform for female footballers to showcase their talent.
For long, the only platform that female footballers had was the leagues, and no cup competitions.
In fact, in 2024, there was The Heart Tournament, which came courtesy of PHD Ministries founder Walter Magaya.
