All Set for the Round of 32 in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup

The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of knockout football as the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup moves into the Round of 32, with matches scheduled at venues across the country from Saturday 8 August to Monday 10 August.

After a nationwide journey that has seen more than 450 men’s and women’s teams take part, the competition now enters one of its most exciting phases. Premier League clubs are now firmly in the mix, while teams that battled through the earlier rounds have earned the opportunity to test themselves on a bigger national stage.

The Round of 32 underlines the truly national character of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. From Bulawayo to Norton, Hwange to Kwekwe and Mutare to Harare, communities across Zimbabwe will host knockout football over three days, bringing the competition closer to supporters and giving clubs from different levels of the game an opportunity to compete for national honours.

There is no shortage of blockbuster fixtures.

In the men’s competition, Chicken Inn face Ngezi Platinum Stars at Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo in a heavyweight encounter between two established top-flight sides. At Ngoni Stadium in Norton, MWOS FC take on Herentals in another fixture expected to attract considerable interest.

The Colliery will provide the setting for a potentially explosive clash between Hwange and Dynamos, while Kwekwe will come alive for the highly anticipated local derby between Kwekwe United and Hardrock FC. With local pride and progression to the next round at stake, the derby promises to deliver everything expected of knockout football.

The women’s competition carries its own compelling match-ups.

Scotland Queens take on CAPS United Royals at Gwanzura Stadium, while Highlanders Royals meet Black Mambas Queens in another eye-catching encounter. At Mutare Showgrounds, Mutare City will host Harare City Queens in a fixture that further illustrates the geographical reach of the competition.

Importantly, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup has placed men’s and women’s football on the same national platform, giving both competitions visibility and significance as part of ZIFA’s broader development agenda.

Entry to all women’s matches will be free, giving supporters an opportunity to turn out in numbers and experience the growing quality and competitiveness of the women’s game.

For the men’s fixtures, Rest of Ground tickets are priced at US$2, with VIP tickets at US$5 and VVIP access at US$10.

Supporters unable to attend the matches will also be able to follow the action remotely. Selected men’s fixtures will be broadcast live on ZBC, while the women’s matches will be streamed on the ZIFA YouTube channel.

ZIFA Executive Committee member responsible for Competitions, Professor Thomas Marambanyika, said the tournament has become an important vehicle for strengthening the national football pyramid.

“The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup brings together the different levels of our football and gives clubs from across Zimbabwe an opportunity to compete on a meaningful national platform,” said Prof. Marambanyika. “The Round of 32 is where the competition takes another exciting step, and we are looking forward to competitive matches, strong crowds and memorable moments across the country.”

ZIFA Vice President and Chairperson of the Women’s Football Committee, Loveness Mukura, said the competition’s inclusive character was one of its greatest strengths.

“What makes this competition special is that it belongs to the entire football family. Men and women are part of the same national journey, and that is an important statement about the future we want to build,” said Mukura.

“We remain sincerely grateful to His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for his benevolent support. His contribution has made it possible to create opportunities for clubs, players and communities across Zimbabwe, and that support is helping us grow the game in a way that is inclusive and truly national.”

With the fixtures confirmed and anticipation rising, attention now turns to the pitch.

Three days. Venues across Zimbabwe. Men and women chasing the same dream of national glory.

The Round of 32 is ready to deliver.

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