ZIFA REVEL IN MUNHUMUTAPA CUP LAUNCH

Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub

FOR several years developments at ZIFA had ceased to attract global attention, amid incessant battering of the football association for their seemingly endless tales of chaos.

But order and decorum have been slowly finding their way into the administrative corridors of ZIFA.

And on Wednesday, Nqobile Magwizi and his leadership sealed a massive game-changer with the launch of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup.

That it has been billed as one of the biggest club knock-out competitions in the world based on its size and scope is a fact that has also attracted attention.

The US$25 million rich competition, which will run on a US$5 million per year budget was launched by President Mnangagwa at a glittering ceremony in Harare.

It is a result of the meticulous effort by the ZIFA executive, a feat which even FIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged.

Acting Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Tino Machakaire also added his voice of praise and said the idea got the blessings from Government authorities after ZIFA showcased their professionalism and drive to move the game forward.

“I would like to salute President Mnangagwa for bringing this magnificent cup tournament to life.

“Our football will never be the same again.

“What you saw on Wednesday is a culmination of the hard work done in the background by the Government and ZIFA,” said Machakaire.

“Let me take this opportunity to credit ZIFA for its tirelessness and their ability to stay focused with eyes on the ball.

“Look, I think we have never had any tournament of this magnitude before. This is the first time that we have seen such a milestone in the history of the game in this country.

“The leadership at ZIFA, fronted by Nqobile Magwizi has reinvigorated the association. It is now a clean brand which corporates can get a lot of mileage if they decide to associate with them.

“This is why the President also chipped in because our President has principles which are non-negotiable. Seeing him doing this means ZIFA have become professional, and they are upholding high standards of ethical values.

“This is what we expect from the mother body when it comes to the most popular sport in the country. They deserve a lot of credit and we expect them to continue on that trajectory,” Machakaire said.

Magwizi, whom some doubted would be able to overcome the perennial problems that haunt the association, has remained grounded despite notable milestones in a short space of time at the helm.

“Honestly, I am very happy to see football taking such a giant step in this country.

“You might still remember what I told you the day I won the election. I said I was ready to work with everyone who has ideas on how to improve football in this country.

“I said I was putting on the table my own manifesto and asked every member of the new exco to drop theirs on the table too,’’ Magwizi said.

“Then we fused all the points to become one formidable pathway we could then explore.

“We realised we needed to put together a tournament that would see everyone play football.

“That’s how we then started to draft what has now become the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. We have always told each other to adhere to the highest principles of dignity.

“That’s how we have always conducted our business since assuming office last year.

“And we would like to thank President Mnangagwa for coming in and being the principal of the tournament. We are humbled to have such a leader who lives up to the mantra he envisions that is of leaving no one and no place behind.”

More than 1 000 teams across both genders and the football leagues pyramid will compete in the tournament.

Winners of the senior men’s competition will pocket US$1 million with half that amount being set aside to assist their participation in the CAF Confederation Cup while the women’s champions will get US$200 000.

This marks the first time in the history of the women’s game in this country to play in a tournament with huge monetary rewards at the end.

Beach Soccer and 5-A-side versions of the game have also been added into the catalogue.