Story by Lawrence Trusida
THE inaugural Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32 has produced several blockbuster fixtures, with Premier Soccer League clubs set to face lower division opponents in the opening round of Zimbabwe’s richest knockout football competition.
Among the standout ties is a nostalgic showdown between Dynamos and Hwange at Colliery Stadium, reviving a rivalry that has produced some of the country’s most memorable cup encounters.
The last time the two sides met in a knockout competition at the venue was in 2012, when Hwange stunned Dynamos 2-1 in the Bob 88 Super Cup, thanks to a Francis Zikumbawire brace. The coalminers will be hoping to repeat that feat when they host the Harare giants.
Elsewhere, Chicken Inn coach Tonderai Ndiraya faces his former club Ngezi Platinum Stars at Luveve Stadium, while Simba Bhora take on Manica Diamonds and ZPC Kariba meet Triangle in the competition’s all-Premier Soccer League fixtures.
The draw also marked the launch of Dream 2030, ZIFA’s ambitious roadmap to qualify Zimbabwe for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi said the competition is a key component of the project by broadening the national talent pool.
“We are launching the ambitious Dream 2030 project where we are planning and putting resources together to qualify for the World Cup. This tournament is part of that project as it broadens the talent pool, gives local players more competition and increases game time,” he said.
Government pledged its support for the initiative.
“We are fully behind this project, and Government has committed to funding it to make sure that the Warriors qualify for the World Cup,” said Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo.
In the women’s competition, CAPS Royals will host Scottland Queens, Cranborne Royals face Chapungu in an all-army derby, while Herentals take on Rufaro Starlets.
The Round of 32 matches will be played over the weekend of August 6 and 7, with the winners of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup set to receive US$1 million and secure Zimbabwe’s place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
