HARARE – The race for the 2026 Munhumutapa Challenge Cup will gather momentum this weekend after the release of the amended Round of 32 fixtures, with Zimbabwe’s football heavyweights facing potentially tricky assignments in the country’s premier knockout competition.
Former league champions Dynamos FC headline the opening round with a difficult away fixture against Hwange FC at Colliery Stadium on Saturday, while CAPS United will battle Scottland Academy on Sunday as clubs seek to avoid becoming early casualties in the tournament. Highlanders will travel to face Blackrock, while FC Platinum are set to meet Marere FC in another fixture expected to attract significant attention.
The draw has also produced competitive ties involving Simba Bhora and Manica Diamonds, Chicken Inn against Ngezi Platinum FC, TelOne versus Blanket Mine FC, ZPC Kariba against Triangle FC, and MWOS FC hosting Herentals, ensuring that the opening round features a blend of Premier Soccer League rivalries and opportunities for lower-tier clubs to spring surprises.
On the women’s side, clubs from across the country will also compete for a place in the next round, with Scottland Queens facing CAPS United Royals, Highlanders Royals taking on Black Mambas Queens, and Kwekwe Queens meeting Shedza Queens among the standout fixtures. Additional matches include Rufaro Starlets against Herentals Queens, Mutare City versus Harare City Queens, and Queen Lozikeyi against FC Platinum Royals.
Tournament organisers have advised that fixture dates and venues remain subject to change, with amended fixtures identified in the official schedule.
With every match now carrying a win-or-go-home consequence, the Round of 32 is expected to produce intense competition as clubs begin their pursuit of one of Zimbabwean football’s most coveted knockout trophies.
