ZIFA Outlines Vision for Inclusive Growth Through Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and BancABC Roots Impact Programme

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) this morning held a press briefing to provide detailed insights into the structure and implementation of two of its flagship initiatives — the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and the BancABC Roots Impact Programme.

Addressing members of the media, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi set the tone by reaffirming the Association’s commitment to building a truly inclusive and competitive football ecosystem that serves all levels of the game.

“These competitions are not just about winning trophies,” said Magwizi. “They are about creating opportunity, restoring structure, and ensuring that every young player in Zimbabwe has a clear pathway to grow within the game.”

The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, recently launched as a national knockout competition, is designed to cut across the entire football pyramid — from grassroots and amateur structures to the professional leagues. Its inclusive framework also incorporates women’s football, as well as emerging formats such as futsal and beach soccer, ensuring that no segment of the game is left behind.

ZIFA ExCo Member for Competitions, Thomas Marambanyika, provided an overview of the competition framework and regulatory structure, highlighting the importance of standardisation and compliance.

“We have put in place clear rules and regulations that align with both CAF and FIFA standards,” said Marambanyika. “This is about ensuring fairness, consistency and professionalism across all levels of participation, while still allowing for broad access and inclusion.”

The BancABC Roots Impact Programme, which operates at grassroots and schools level, complements the Challenge Cup by focusing on development and early talent identification. It creates structured playing opportunities for young boys and girls across the country, linking community football to national development pathways.

ZIFA Competitions Manager, Kudzai Chitima, emphasised the importance of increasing playing time and competitive exposure for junior players.

“One of our key priorities is to ensure that young players are not just training, but consistently playing in organised, competitive environments,” said Chitima. “Through these programmes, we are significantly increasing the number of matches available to juniors, which is critical for their growth and progression.”

ZIFA Acting General Secretary Norman Gwangwadza and Technical Director Dominique Niyonzima also contributed to the session, outlining the administrative and technical alignment required to successfully implement both initiatives nationwide.

A key theme throughout the briefing was the deliberate effort to bridge gaps within Zimbabwean football — between male and female participation, elite and grassroots structures, and traditional and emerging formats of the game. The competitions are expected to drive increased activity across all provinces, providing meaningful engagement for players, coaches and administrators alike.

By creating structured competitions that are accessible, competitive and development-focused, ZIFA is laying the foundation for a stronger, more unified football system — one that prioritises opportunity, nurtures talent and ultimately elevates the national game.

The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup and BancABC Roots Impact Programme are set to play a central role in this vision, signalling a new era of organised, inclusive and sustainable football development in Zimbabwe.

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