Story by Mercy Bofu
THE University of Zimbabwe (UZ) was crowned overall champion at the 2026 Chancellor’s Staff Games after winning 14 gold medals across various sporting disciplines during the week-long competition held in Masvingo.
Hosted by Great Zimbabwe University, the tournament brought together state and private universities from across the country to compete in athletics, ball games, indoor games and other sporting codes.
The University of Zimbabwe finished top of the standings, followed by the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in second place, while hosts Great Zimbabwe University claimed third position.
University of Zimbabwe Staff Sports Association president Victor Ngududu attributed the institution’s success to its commitment to sport.
“We are delighted to have emerged champions at these games. We dominated in most of the disciplines we competed in, and we continue to take sport very seriously as an institution,” he said.
National Chairperson of the Chancellor’s Staff Games, Ready Forward Dube, said the inclusion of private universities had strengthened the spirit of unity and inclusivity.
“We are pleased to have successfully hosted the 13th edition of the Chancellor’s Staff Games here at Great Zimbabwe University. We are also happy to have included private universities, as we continue to promote the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity. These games also provide participants with an opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate,” he said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava, commended the initiative for promoting physical wellness, mental agility and teamwork. His sentiments were echoed by the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira.
“The National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030 envision a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income Zimbabwe by 2030. Sport, as we have witnessed, is a powerful vehicle for achieving this vision. It fosters the very qualities we need to drive innovation and industrialisation, including discipline, teamwork, strategic thinking and resilience. Through these Games, we are not just playing; we are building the human capital necessary for our nation’s transformation. At the heart of this theme is the principle of collaboration. These Games have demonstrated, once again, that when we work together, we achieve greatness,” said Ambassador Shava.
Honourable Chadzamira said sport remains an important tool for promoting unity and national development.
“Sport remains a powerful vehicle for fostering unity, teamwork, discipline, wellness and collaboration across institutions. Events such as the Chancellor’s Staff Games strengthen relationships within our higher and tertiary education sector while reinforcing our collective commitment to national development,” he said.
Great Zimbabwe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rungano Zvobgo, said the games had strengthened friendship, unity and collaboration among Zimbabwe’s universities.
“These Games have demonstrated, once again, that when we work together, we achieve greatness. Universities are often seen as competitors in the academic and research arenas, but here on the sports field, we are partners in a shared vision,” he said.
The competition was held under the theme: “Driving Innovation, Industrialisation and Collaboration through Sport Towards National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030.”
