Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
The nation has registered yet another significant milestone in its portfolio of world-class sports tourism offerings with the hosting of the African FootGolf Open Championship, which teed off yesterday at the Elephant Hills Golf Course here in Victoria Falls.
The tournament, which began on Sunday and concludes this Tuesday, has drawn a vibrant field of international athletes, reinforcing Zimbabwe’s growing reputation as a global host for premier sporting events.
Participants from across the continent and beyond, including Angola, Morocco, South Africa, Zambia and the host nation, Zimbabwe, have gathered to compete in this unique sport that blends soccer skill with golf strategy.
The championship commenced in high spirits, following a welcome dinner hosted by Zimbabwe on Sunday evening.
The event, which was graced by the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mnangagwa, at a local hotel, set a tone of pan-African unity and celebration.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa underscored the event’s significance in promoting sports tourism.
“Your presence here strengthens the spirit of Pan-African unity, continental and global cooperation through sport and tourism,” he said.
He elaborated on the Government’s strategic focus on leveraging sport to showcase the nation.
“This exciting event marks yet another milestone in Zimbabwe’s growing portfolio of world-class Sports Tourism offerings and celebrates the fusion of sport and tourism.
“Just yesterday, my Minister, Barbara Rwodzi, officiated at the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon which drew over 1 800 participants and showcased yet another of our breathtaking tourism gems,” he said.
He applauded all stakeholders for bringing the FootGolf tournament to Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, linking it to Zimbabwe’s recent accolade as Forbes Magazine’s Number One Destination to Visit in 2025.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa further emphasised that sports tourism is a key driver of economic growth and youth inclusion, aligned with President Mnangagwa’s National Development Strategy and Vision 2030.
“It is heartening to see students here today who have been given an opportunity to participate and not be left behind,” he said, showcasing the event’s broader social impact.
He encouraged visitors to immerse themselves in the full Victoria Falls experience.
Echoing the Government’s sentiments, the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) Board Chairperson, Dr Nathaniel Madzivanyika, extended his gratitude to the ministry for supporting sports.
On behalf of the SRC and the Zimbabwean sporting fraternity, Dr Madzivanyika expressed profound gratitude to the African FootGolf Association and the Federation for International FootGolf for their confidence in Zimbabwe.
“To the Federation for International FootGolf, we deeply appreciate your confidence in Africa and in Zimbabwe as hosts of this prestigious FIFG 500 event. Your trust has made this moment possible,” said Dr Madzivanyika.
He also thanked the athletes, whose presence marks the beginning of a powerful legacy for FootGolf on the continent, and wished them fair play, great competition and unforgettable memories to the soundtrack of the magnificent Victoria Falls.
As the FootGolf Open continues, it not only champions a new sporting discipline but broadcasts Zimbabwe’s unmatched capacity to host world-class events, inviting the world to come and truly Experience Zimbabwe.
