Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WOMEN’S football in Zimbabwe, which often faced chronic underfunding and gross marginalisation, was very much part of the narrative yesterday when President Mnangagwa launched the ground-breaking Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
With the month of March celebrated globally as the Women’s month, the launch of the five-year US$25m Munhumutapa Challenge Cup at Celebration Centre in Harare was a massive statement on the government’s commitment to youth and gender inclusivity.
The tournament is a first of its kind with its distinct all-embracing characteristics that takes under its wings all layers of the football ecosystem including women’s football, futsal, beach football, junior football and area zones.
Zimbabwe Women Premier Soccer League chairperson, Chido Chizondo, told Zimpapers Sports Hub that the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup will fuel the league’s vision for growth.
“The Munhumutapa launch aligns strongly with the recently introduced women’s football strategy focused on increasing girls’ participation in the game.
“This development represents a significant boost for women’s football and opens new opportunities for girls across Zimbabwe to engage with and pursue the sport,” said Chizondo.
The chairperson of the ZIFA Women’s Football Committee, Loveness Mukura, was thrilled by the tournament’s broader social value, describing it as a platform that can restore pride, expand opportunity and deepen community engagement with the game.
“This is the kind of competition that brings football closer to the people.
“It creates moments that communities will own, celebrate and rally behind.
“And for players, it opens doors – because the next star can come from anywhere when the platform is truly inclusive,” Mukura said.
She said the competition’s scale and that the exposure should inspire clubs and administrators to strengthen governance, planning and professionalism in order to meet the demands of a modern, high-value tournaments.
Mukura welcomed the launch as a significant step that can accelerate the growth of the women’s game through strengthened national football structures and expanded development investment.
“When the football ecosystem is strengthened, women’s football benefits too,” she said.
“A landmark tournament of this magnitude raises ambition, improves organisation, and creates a culture of competitiveness and excellence.
“Our vision is clear: development must be deliberate, inclusive and sustainable – and this competition supports that direction.”
Football administrator and former national team coach and captain, Rose Mugadza, hailed government for levelling the ground and giving the opportunity for women’s football to be showcased across the country. Historically, the women’s game has suffered marginalisation and faced many barriers despite the abundant talent.
She advocated for more resources towards women’s football.
“I say this because there is so much potential in women’s football in Zimbabwe.
“Women have qualified for the Olympics, which is the only team to do so and it’s very easy for the women to qualify for the World Cup.
“So we need the support and we thank what the government is doing for us as women,” said Mugadza. Women’s football player Rudo Neshamba described the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup as a defining moment for Zimbabwean football.
“Your Excellency, our deepest gratitude goes to you,” she said.
“Thank you for this launch, and official unveiling of what is set to become a defining competition in Zimbabwean football,” Neshamba said.
Futsal board member Frank Farakezi was excited to have five-aside football involved.
Football supporters were also thrilled by the prospects presented by the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.
