By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The city of Bulawayo will host the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Juniors Tournament later this month, with young footballers set to compete in the Under-14 and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ categories on November 20 and 21.
The tournament fixtures were determined during a draw held in Harare on Wednesday, conducted by Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) secretary-general Yvonne Manwa and Young Warriors assistant coach Wilson Mutekede. The event brought together various football stakeholders.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi said the competition was part of the association’s efforts to strengthen football development at grassroots level by creating opportunities for emerging players to gain competitive experience and demonstrate their abilities.
“Dream2030 starts at grassroots level. A boy or girl playing for a school or a local academy needs regular competitive matches and a clear route to the next level. This tournament gives young players a chance to test themselves against new opponents at Under-14 and Under-16 level. Those are important steps on the journey towards senior football,” Magwizi said.
Under the competition format, participating teams have been divided into three groups of four in each category. The winners of Groups A, B and C will secure automatic qualification for the semi-finals, while the fourth semi-finalist will be determined by selecting the best-performing runner-up across the three groups.
Mpopoma Sports Academy and Maningi FC Juniors will renew their rivalry after being drawn in Group B in both the Under-14 and Under-16 competitions. Vengere FC Juniors will join them in the younger age category, while Chimoby Football Academy and Vhembe Stars Academy complete the Under-16 group.
Group C is also expected to produce exciting encounters, with Young Sables Soccer Academy and MWOS Queens Juniors finding themselves in the same group in both age categories. In the Under-14 competition, they will compete against Chimbudzi Primary School and Midlands Football Club Juniors, while their Under-16 sides will face Rufaro High School and Betta Bullets Academy Queens.
Duhamzondo Primary School have been drawn in Under-14 Group A, where they will battle Power II Academy, Mutukwa Academy and Herentals Juniors for progression to the knockout stages.
The Under-16 Group A line-up comprises Sombvubu High School, Mutoko Central, Auckland Queens Juniors and CAPS United Royals Academy. Sombvubu will have a dual interest in the tournament, as the school is also represented in the Under-16 boys’ competition, where its team has been drawn in Group A.
Cam & Motor Primary School face a demanding challenge in the Under-14 boys’ category after being grouped with three academy sides – Gifts Academy, Genesis Soccer Academy and Scottland Academy – in Group A.
Meanwhile, Lobengula Primary School will be aiming to advance from Group C, where they will come up against Betta Bullets Academy, Ingangula and Bright Stars Soccer Academy.
Lobengula United Juniors have been placed in Group B alongside Lowveld Football Development Academy, Hauna Sweepers Academy and Skedza Academy, setting up a competitive battle for the group’s top position.
Skedza Academy will also be represented in the Under-16 boys’ competition, having been drawn in Group B with Biya 4 Academy, Triangle Legends FC Juniors and FC Reactors Juniors.
Sombvubu High School’s Under-16 boys’ team will face Baslac Sports Academy, BUSE Academy and Black Hunters Academy in their group as they seek to progress to the semi-finals.
Group C in the same competition features Rusununguko High School, Sheasham Academy, Baobab Rovers Juniors and MWOS Juniors, all of whom will be competing for a place in the knockout stages.
New Ziana
