By Aldridge Dzvene
HARARE – The road to the 2026 Munhumutapa Challenge Cup gathered momentum on Monday after the preliminary round draw was conducted in Harare, setting up 14 knockout fixtures that will determine the clubs advancing to the competition’s Round of 32.
Twenty-eight lower division clubs will battle for the 14 available places when the preliminary round matches are played on the weekend of 11 and 12 July at designated venues across the country.
The successful teams will then join the 18 Premier Soccer League clubs in the Round of 32, marking the entry of Zimbabwe’s top-flight sides into the prestigious knockout tournament.
Among the standout fixtures, former top-flight side Cheetahs FC will take on Chatidhege FC, while Chapungu FC face MWOS U-19 FC. Harare City FC will travel to meet Gwanda Pirates FC, Buffaloes FC have been paired against Blanket Mine FC, and Hwange FC will host Green Fuel FC in another intriguing encounter.
Other fixtures will see Nottingham Estates face Norton Big Boys FC, Kwekwe United FC take on Deportivo La Murambinda, Rusape Pirates clash with FC Oden, Jordan FC meet Destiny Stars FC, Bluestones FC battle Chilli FC, Scottland Juniors play Rosa Pirates FC, Mawabeni FC face Aqua Stars FC, Gwayi Valley Cranes FC host Marrere FC, while the Masvingo representative will take on Black Rock FC.
The preliminary round is expected to provide lower division clubs with an opportunity to test themselves in a national competition, with the prospect of facing Premier Soccer League opposition in the next stage adding further significance to the fixtures.
Preliminary Round Fixtures (11–12 July):
Cheetahs FC vs Chatidhege FC
Chapungu FC vs MWOS U-19 FC
Nottingham Estates vs Norton Big Boys FC
Masvingo Winner vs Black Rock FC
Kwekwe United FC vs Deportivo La Murambinda
Rusape Pirates vs FC Oden
Jordan FC vs Destiny Stars FC
Bluestones FC vs Chilli FC
Scottland Juniors vs Rosa Pirates FC
Buffaloes FC vs Blanket Mine FC
Mawabeni FC vs Aqua Stars FC
Gwanda Pirates FC vs Harare City FC
Gwayi Valley Cranes FC vs Marrere FC
Hwange FC vs Green Fuel FC.
