The ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is set for a blockbuster knockout phase after the Round of 32 draw was conducted amid glitz and glamour at the Golden Conifer in Harare, bringing together the Zimbabwean football family for a prestigious occasion that officially launched the road to the final.
The 2026 draw will go down as a landmark in knockout competitions history. PSL teams entered the competition for the first time, linking up with 32 men’s and 31 women’s sides from Division One, Division Two and regional football after one received a bye. Their inclusion raised the stakes overnight, paving the way for dream match-ups between league heavyweights and fearless underdogs chasing cup glory.
From Left to right Edward Sadomba, ZIFA VP T. Marambanyika, and Makwinji “Soma” Phiri
Adding weight and nostalgia to the proceedings, the draw was conducted by four of the country’s most revered football figures. Former Highlanders and Dynamos star Makwinji “Soma” Phiri shared duties with ex-Dynamos forward and fan favorite Edward “Duduza” Sadomba in the Men’s draw. Phiri, who proudly represented both of Zimbabwe’s biggest clubs, described the opportunity as an honor, while Sadomba’s presence drew warm applause from sponsors, club representatives and members of the media gathered to witness the unveiling of fixtures in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Rosemary Mugadza (Left), ZIFA VP Loveness Mukura (Centre) and Talent Mandaza (Right)
Rosemary Mugadza, former Mighty Warriors player and coach and a darling of the fans, conducted the women’s draw alongside Talent Mandaza, another gem in her prime years. Mugadza’s involvement underscored ZIFA’s commitment to elevating the women’s game and ensuring it receives the same prestige and spotlight as the men’s competition.
The men’s draw produced a mix of heavyweight showdowns, regional derbies and classic David-versus-Goliath encounters. Highlanders will travel to face Blackrock, Dynamos have been paired away to Hwange, while FC Platinum take on Marere and CAPS United face a tricky test against Scottland Academy. Simba Bhora will meet Manica Diamonds in an all-PSL tie, and Chicken Inn face Ngezi Platinum in another top-flight duel.
Rodrick Mutuma, Norton Big Boys Coach
Two fixtures in particular captured immediate attention. Norton Big Boys, a Division 2 outfit based in Norton and sponsored by Betterbrands, were drawn at home to PSL newcomers FC Hunters. The Norton side has become one of the stories of the season after assembling a squad of Zimbabwean legends including Evans Gwekwerere, Rodrick Mutuma, Oscar Machapa and Tafadzwa Rusike. Their blend of experience and community backing makes them a dangerous proposition despite their lower-league status. In the Midlands, supporters can look forward to a fiery local derby as Kwekwe United host Hardrock FC, currently sitting second in the Castle Lager PSL, in a match expected to draw huge interest.
The women’s draw was equally competitive. Defending forces such as Herentals, Black Rhinos and Highlanders Royals were all handed stern tests, with Herentals drawn against Conduit, Black Rhinos facing Waverly Queens, and Highlanders Royals up against Black Mambas. Other notable ties include Scottland versus CAPS United Royals, Mutare City against Harare City, and Maningi versus Ngezi Platinum. Chegutu Community were the beneficiaries of the draw, receiving a bye and advancing directly to the next round.
All Round of 32 matches are scheduled for the weekend of 7 to 9 August 2026, and anticipation is already building across the country. The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is set to unfold compelling narratives of emerging talent, community pride and upset results, with clubs travelling from every region of Zimbabwe in pursuit of national glory. The expanded format, which fully integrates the PSL, reinforces ZIFA’s stated vision of building an inclusive national competition that provides meaningful opportunities at every level of the game while strengthening the football pyramid.
With the fixtures now confirmed and new rivalries set, attention turns to August, where dreams of lifting the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup will move one step closer to reality. For the players, coaches and communities involved, the knockout stage represents not just silverware, but a chance to etch their names into Zimbabwean football history.
ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup Round of 32 Draw:
Full Men’s R32 Fixtures:
Aqua Stars vs Chilli FC
ZPC Kariba vs Triangle
Simba Bhora vs Manica Diamonds
Norton Big Boys vs FC Hunters
TelOne vs Blanket Mine
Chicken Inn vs Ngezi Platinum
Hwange vs Dynamos
MWOS vs Herentals
FC Oden vs Scottland
Bulawayo Chiefs vs Agama
Marere vs FC Platinum
Scottland Academy vs CAPS United
MWOS U19 vs Chatidhege
Blackrock vs Highlanders
Kwekwe United vs Hardrock
Gwanda Pirates vs Jordan
Women’s R32:
Scottland vs CAPS United Royals
Black Rhinos vs Waverly Queens
Kwekwe Queens vs Shedza Queens
Highlanders Royals vs Black Mambas
Getty Queens vs Las Palmas
Mutare City vs Harare City
Herentals Kwekwe vs Mpopoma
MPOSA vs Faith Drive
Gwelo Rangers vs Hardrock Queen
Lozikeyi vs FC Platinum Royals
Red Buffaloes vs Correctional Queens
Herentals vs Conduit
Cranborne Royals vs Chapungu
Rufaro Starlets vs Herentals Juniors
Maningi vs Ngezi Platinum
Chegutu Community received a bye and advance directly to the next round.
