Over 500 Teams, One Trophy: Inside ZIFA’s US$15 Million Presidential Challenge Cup

ZIFA to Launch Massive US$15 Million Presidential Challenge Cup

Zimbabwean football is on the brink of a major shake-up, with ZIFA set to unveil the US$15 million Presidential Challenge Cup.

The five-year tournament is expected to redefine the local game from grassroots to elite level.

A Tournament for Everyone, Everywhere

Unlike previous cup competitions, the Presidential Challenge Cup will be truly national in scope.

According to The Herald, teams from the Premier Soccer League, lower divisions and Area Zones will all compete in the same tournament, ensuring that even the most remote football communities are represented.

Also Read: Pictures: ZIFA Gifts New Warriors AFCON Jersey to President Mnangagwa

Women, Grassroots and Youth at the Heart of the Vision

Women’s football will feature prominently, with clubs from Division One to the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League battling it out in their own competition.

At youth level, every province will field Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ teams, competing in a league format that will see youngsters playing regularly throughout the year — a major shift from sporadic junior tournaments.

CAF Ticket Raises the Stakes

The senior men’s winners will earn more than just bragging rights. The champions will secure Zimbabwe’s ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup, adding continental significance to the domestic showdown.

President Mnangagwa Funds Landmark Project

The massive tournament will be funded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, with US$3 million committed annually over five years.

The investment follows the President’s recent US$400 000 donation to the Warriors’ AFCON campaign in Morocco, underlining his growing involvement in football development.

Futsal and Beach Soccer Join the Party

For the first time, five-a-side futsal and beach soccer teams will be integrated into a ZIFA Cup structure, widening participation beyond traditional 11-a-side football.

More than 500 teams are expected to take part across all categories, including over 160 futsal and beach soccer sides.

Millions Set Aside Across All Levels

Sources revealed the annual funding breakdown will see:

• US$1.8 million for senior men’s football
• US$400 000 for women’s football
• US$500 000 for junior competitions
• US$200 000 for beach soccer
• US$100 000 for futsal

Harare Launch Imminent

The tournament is expected to be officially launched in Harare later this month, with matches starting at lower-league level before building up to the elite stages.

The launch is likely to coincide with the anniversary of ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi’s election, marking the delivery of a key promise from his manifesto.

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