Tug-of-war draw out for ZITF

THE unmistakable buzz of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is back, and with it comes one of the most eagerly anticipated sporting side attractions, the tug-of-war tournament, whose 2026 draw has officially set the stage for a thrilling contest of strength, endurance and teamwork.

Scheduled to run from April 20 to 25, with business days from April 20 to 22, ZITF 2026 is already shaping up to be more than just a trade showcase. The tug-of-war competition, a fan-favourite event, is once again expected to draw intense interest from corporates, institutions and sporting enthusiasts alike.

This year’s draw has thrown up mouth-watering group stage encounters in both the men’s and women’s categories, promising fierce rivalries and unforgettable moments on the turf.

In the men’s section, Group A features a competitive mix including Transmission West, Nust, Amidol, CBZ, Mutare City, BCC B and Hwange Colliery B, a pool that blends corporate muscle with institutional pride.

Group B is equally intriguing, with Mutare Board, ZETDC A and B, Gweru Polytechnic, NRZ Bulawayo and ZB Bank all eyeing a place in the knockout stages.

Group C sees Zesa Holdings, ZPC Hwange and the University of Zimbabwe headline a physically demanding line-up alongside Black Rhinos, Correctional Lions B and Hwange Colliery A. Meanwhile, Group D boasts a strong cast featuring Bulawayo Metro, Harare City, Mimosa, Correctional Lions A, BCC A and JT Airforce.

The women’s competition promises just as much excitement. Group A brings together Glow A, Correctional Lions A, ZETDC Western, Nust, Mutare City, Hwange Colliery A and Correctional Lions B in what is expected to be a tightly contested pool.

Group B includes Hwange Colliery B, CBZ, Gweru Polytechnic, JT Airforce, Harare City, Machingura and Ingwebu, while Group C features Glow B, ZPC Hwange, Kwekwe Community, ZB Bank, BCC B and Mimosa.

Group D rounds off the draw with BCC A, Zesa Holdings, NRZ Bulawayo, University of Zimbabwe, Byo Metro Province and Rookies Bulawayo all preparing to lock horns.

With teams drawn from across Zimbabwe’s corporate, academic and industrial sectors, the competition reflects the true ZITF spirit, bringing together diverse players on one platform to celebrate strength, unity and healthy competition.

Beyond the exhibition stands and business deals, the tug-of-war tournament continues to embody the fair’s vibrant energy, offering a spectacle that blends sport and camaraderie in equal measure.

As exhibitors prepare their displays and delegates map out engagements, one thing is certain — when the rope tightens and the whistle blows, all eyes will turn to the arena where pride, power and prestige will be fiercely contested.

At ZITF 2026, it won’t just be business as usual; it will be a test of strength like no other.

Last year, Transmission West were the winners in the men’s category after a 2-0 victory over Zesa Holdings.

After seeing off Bulawayo Metro 2-0 at the semi-final stage, Transmission West made light work of Zesa Holdings in the final, with the contest lasting just a few minutes.

A lot was expected from Mutare Board and Paper Mills, who were the defending champions, but they were knocked out at the semi-final stage by Zesa Holdings, who won 2-0.

In the women’s category, Glow A defended their title with a 2-0 victory over Glow B.

On their way to the final, they knocked out Ingwebu with a 2-0 victory. The other semi-final pitted Glow B and BCC and Glow B won 2-0. — @FungaiMuderere.