ZIMBABWE’S President Emmerson Mnangagwa has launched the BIGGEST and RICHEST football tournament in the history of the game in this country.

He unveiled the US$25million ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in Harare yesterday.

He called it a defining moment for the country’s national game.

The historic tournament is likely to  be the biggest in the world, in terms of scope and the sheer numbers involved.

It will run for the next five years with US$5million 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. Beach Soccer and 5-Aside, as well as grassroots, have also been included.

President Mnangagwa, who is the principal sponsor of the tournament, said:

“They say football acts as a universal language, transcending cultural, religions, political and age divide, fostering shared passion and a sense of community.

“Being a football supporter myself, (musandibvundze 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 President added:

“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 on 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 said this was a defining moment in the history of the game.

“This Challenge Cup, with an annual commitment of US$5 million, culminating in a US$25million investment over five years, is set to transition national soccer from fragmented competitions to a more cohesive and integrated football ecosystem.

“It is praise-worthy that the framework brings together senior men’s football, senior women’s football, junior development structures, Five-aside version of soccer as well as the 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.”