Online Reporter
Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S participation in the African FootGolf Open Championship has been hailed as a national milestone, with the country emerging as the continent’s leading FootGolf nation in membership and performance.
The championship, held from 22 to 25 November in Victoria Falls, brought together teams from five African countries alongside participants from Germany and Slovenia.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Christopher Magomo, applauded the athletes for raising the national flag high and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive force in the rapidly growing sport.
“It gives me great pleasure to address you as we celebrate yet another remarkable milestone for our province and our nation,” Minister Magomo said. “Your determination, teamwork and patriotism have brought honour to Zimbabwe. You have shown that with unity and focus, we can excel on local, regional, continental and global stages.”
He thanked Senator Eleven Kambizi, the provincial FootGolf patron, for his leadership and commitment to developing the sport.
Minister Magomo pledged support as the sport aligns with National Vision 2030, tourism promotion and the implementation of NDS1 and NDS2. “Sport plays a critical role in advancing our national aspirations. Achievements like these uplift communities and strengthen our national pride,” he said.
“The trophies we present symbolise not only victory but the promise of a greater future.”
He further commended the province’s continued involvement, noting that the FootGolf Patron’s Tournament has become a permanent fixture thanks to strong collaboration between the sport and provincial leadership.
Zimbabwe’s hosting of the first African FootGolf Open Championship marks a historic moment for both the province and the nation.
With five African countries, plus teams from Europe and the Middle East, choosing Victoria Falls as the venue, the sport’s global appeal is on the rise. Sen Kambizi previously launched the “11 Points for Development” framework, which has guided FootGolf’s growth at provincial and national levels.
FootGolf chairperson Stancelous Nyachowe described FootGolf as a fast-growing, inclusive sport blending the precision of golf with the skill of football.
Played on a golf course using a size-5 soccer ball and a larger hole, it follows the same rules as golf, with the winner being the player who uses the fewest kicks over 18 holes.
“It is a friendly, non-contact sport that can be played by all age groups from ECD learners to senior citizens aged 55 to 99,” Mr Nyachowe said. “Zimbabwe currently leads Africa in FootGolf membership, a fact acknowledged by the President of the Federation of International FootGolf, Alex Kravanja.”
The championship also served as a qualifying event for the 2026 FootGolf World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico, where Zimbabwe has already secured slots through its impressive performance.
