ED Launches US$25m Munhumutapa Challenge Cup
LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday officially launched the US$25 million Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in Harare, a bold initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s football landscape.
Speaking at the launch, President Mnangagwa hailed the tournament as “innovative and groundbreaking,” saying it would lay the foundation for a restructured and integrated soccer ecosystem over the next five years.
“This Challenge Cup, with an annual commitment of US$5m, culminating in a US$25m investment over five years, is designed to unify senior men’s football, senior women’s football, junior development structures, five-a-side soccer, and beach soccer under one accountable and professionally governed system,” Mnangagwa said.
The tournament, which is expected to be the largest in Africa in terms of investment and inclusivity, will involve more than 1,000 teams spanning men’s and women’s top-flight, lower divisions, and Area Zone clubs.
The Munhumutapa Cup will feature Premiership clubs, lower-division sides, organized social teams, and junior squads, with the senior men’s champions earning the right to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mnangagwa emphasized that the initiative places development, empowerment, and wealth creation for youth and women at its core.
“The proposed Under-14 and Under-16 National Leagues are set to generate hundreds of matches annually, creating a clear, merit-based pathway from school to community, district, province, and ultimately, the national teams,” he said.
