Source: MASSIVE GAME-CHANGER . . . glamour, glitz as ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup unveiled – herald
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR the last 13 months, Zimbabwe’s football has been in transition onto a path to reclaim its position as the country’s flagship sport.
And ZIFA’S capacity to transform football in this country got just the ideal seal of approval it thoroughly deserves when President Mnangagwa launched the US$25 million richer ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in Harare yesterday.
The historic tournament will be among the biggest in global football in terms of scope and the sheer numbers involved.
It will run for the next five years with US$5 million set to be poured into the contest every year.
Over 1 000 teams from the Area Zones to the elite leagues across both genders will take part in the competition while Beach Soccer and 5-Aside as well as grassroots, have also been included.
That makes this one a first-of-its-kind tournament, and befittingly, the Head of State and Government was the one to officially launch it.
Even FIFA president Gianni Infantino gave it his blessing in his video message beamed before a packed Celebration Centre auditorium in Harare.
President Mnangagwa, who is the principal sponsor of the tournament said; “They say football acts as a universal language, transcending cultural, religious, political and age divides, fostering shared passion and a sense of community. Being a football supporter myself (musandibvunze team yandinotsigira) I know the power of football in uniting diverse peoples, promoting cohesion and a sense of belonging for communities, fans and players alike.
“It is with this context that I am very pleased to officiate at this historic launch of the Zimbabwe Football Association Munhumutapa Challenge Cup. “This is a defining moment in the history of our country’s football development.
“The initiative represents an innovative and ground-breaking structure, that is set to alter the architecture of our country’s soccer arena over the next five years.
“Happening at a time characterised by shifting dynamics and factors affecting sports in general, I congratulate ZIFA and all stakeholders for their foresight and institutional dexterity which has resulted in the unveiling of this noble idea.
“The name Munhumutapa evokes unshakeable strength and fortitude, authority and civilisation. It reminds us that sustainable progress must be anchored on our rich national identity, values and heritage.
“To this end, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup symbolically connects our rich history to our brighter future, leveraging sport. This competition framework is an essential building block towards a football sector that is integrated into the broader national transformation and socio-economic development agenda.
“It also embodies a generational resolve to scale up inclusivity and maximum benefits to all actors within the football fraternity and sporting in general. Well done.”
The President confirmed that the tournament is worth US$5 million per year for the next five years.
“This Challenge Cup, with an annual commitment of US$5 million, culminating in a US$25 million investment over five years, is set to transition national soccer from fragmented competitions to a more cohesive and integrated foot-ball ecosystem. It is praise-worthy that the framework brings together senior men’s football, senior women’s football, junior development structures, the five-a-side version of soccer, and beach soccer under one accountable and professionally governed system.
“I congratulate ZIFA for this all-inclusive approach, which will go a long way to ensure that athletes in football realise their full potential. I urge you all to maintain the thrust where development, empowerment and wealth creation opportunities for the youth and women, are at the heart of this initiative. Under my Administration, no province, district, or talent must be left behind.
“I welcome the collaboration involving the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, along with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and ZIFA, among other stakeholders.
“This dovetails with my Government’s Whole of Society Approach and will ensure that football is entrenched within our education ecosystem.” ZIFA last year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, which will among other things ensure that football is played throughout the year in schools.
Schools will also form part the nationwide centres of excellence for the game.
President Mnangagwa also said: “Government welcomes the partnership with the United Nations Population Fund which will position football as a platform for health awareness, inclusivity, gender equality and resilience.
“Under this model, football as an instrument for unity, social protection, discipline, and national productivity, is enhanced, in line with our national aspirations outlined in Vision 2030.” Magwizi saluted President Mnangagwa for creating a conducive environment for the game.
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