HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has reinstated W.I.N.X FC and Midlands Terrain FC into the Women’s Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after determining that their earlier withdrawals were not processed in accordance with the competition’s rules and regulations.
The decision has resulted in changes to the Round of 32 fixtures, with W.I.N.X FC replacing Herentals Kwekwe while Midlands Terrain FC takes the place of Gwelo Rangers, both of whom had initially been included following the reported withdrawals.
According to a statement issued by the ZIFA Media and Communications Department, the two clubs had originally qualified for the Round of 32 on merit but cited financial challenges when they announced their intention to withdraw from the tournament. However, the football governing body ruled that the withdrawal process had not complied with the prescribed regulations, leading to the reinstatement of both teams.
ZIFA also issued a stern warning to participating clubs, stressing that any withdrawal from the competition must follow the procedures outlined in the tournament’s rules and regulations. The association said clubs that fail to comply with the required processes will face action in line with the competition’s disciplinary framework.
Following the changes, the updated Round of 32 fixtures will now proceed from August 8 to August 10 at various venues across the country, with defending clubs and new challengers set to battle for progression in Zimbabwe’s premier knockout women’s football competition.
The revised fixture list includes matches such as Scottland Queens against CAPS United Royals at Gwanzura Stadium, Highlanders Royals hosting Black Mambas Queens in Bulawayo, while W.I.N.X FC will now take on Hardrock Queens after their reinstatement. Midlands Terrain FC will also return to action against Mpopoma S.A. as the competition gets underway.
