Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
JOY and excitement permeated the football community in Manicaland following the launch of the US$25 million ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup – with key stakeholders describing the development as a game-changer in the country’s most loved sport.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa launched the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in Harare on Wednesday.
The historic tournament will be among the biggest in global football in terms of scope and the sheer numbers involved. It will run for the next five years, with US$5 million set to be invested in the contest every year.
Over 1 000 teams from the Area Zones to the elite leagues across both genders will take part in the competition, while Beach Soccer and 5-Aside, as well as grassroots, have also been included – making it a first-of-its-kind tournament, and befittingly, the Head of State and Government was the one to officially launch it.
Masimba Chihowa, chairman of Mutare Castle Lager Premiership side, Manica Diamonds, said: “This is absolutely fantastic. This is what the game badly needed. We applaud the President for this kind gesture, and we are ready to have fun in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.”
Tatanda ‘Gede’ Matiringe, Socco Golden Stars administrator, said: “This is something worth celebrating. We have no words to describe our appreciation for the gesture from the highest office in the land. We really cannot wait to see the tournament unfold.”
Even FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, gave it his blessing in his video message beamed before a packed Celebration Centre auditorium in Harare.
President Mnangagwa, who is the principal sponsor of the tournament, said:
“They say football acts as a universal language, transcending cultural, religious, political and age divides, fostering shared passion and a sense of community. Being a football supporter myself (musandibvunze team yandinotsigira), I know the power of football in uniting diverse people, promoting cohesion and a sense of belonging for communities, fans and players alike.
“It is with this context that I am very pleased to officiate at this historic launch of the Zimbabwe Football Association Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. This is a defining moment in the history of our country’s football development. The initiative represents an innovative and ground-breaking structure, which is set to alter the architecture of our country’s soccer arena over the next five years.
“Happening at a time characterised by shifting dynamics and factors affecting sports in general, I congratulate ZIFA and all stakeholders for their foresight and institutional dexterity, which has resulted in the unveiling of this noble idea.
“The name Munhumutapa evokes unshakeable strength and fortitude, authority and civilisation. It reminds us that sustainable progress must be anchored on our rich national identity, values and heritage. To this end, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup symbolically connects our rich history to our brighter future, leveraging sport. This competition framework is an essential building block towards a football sector that is integrated into the broader national transformation and socio-economic development agenda. It also embodies a generational resolve to scale up inclusivity and maximum benefits to all actors within the football fraternity and sporting in general. Well done.”
