Chatidhege stand tall as Eastern Region’s lone survivor in ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup
Zimbabwe Football Association Mashonaland East Division 2 outfit Chatidhege Football Club are now the only team left from both Mashonaland East Province and the broader Eastern Region in the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup after a tough preliminary round.
Chatidhege punched their ticket to the Round of 32 with a statement 3-1 away win over Cheetahs FC in Hwange.
With the Round of 32 draw set for 22 July 2026, the Division 2A outfit now finds itself among Zimbabwe’s elite, with PSL giants and other regional qualifiers.
It was a brutal weekend for Eastern Region football. Of the 7 teams that flew the regional flag, only Chatidhege survived.
Here is how the Eastern Region teams fared:
Deportivo La Murambinda FC drew 0-0 with Kwekwe United but lost 4-2 on penalties.
Destiny Stars FC lost 1-0 to Jordan.
Chatidhege FC beat Cheetahs 3-1.
Lowveld Football Dev Academy drew 1-1 with Blackrock but lost 4-2 on penalties.
Buffaloes FC lost 1-0 to Blanket Mine.
GreenFuel FC lost 3-0 to Hwange.
Rusape City FC lost 3-1 to FC Oden.
Club Chairman Eric Chacha spoke to Fanzone with pride, and made it clear this was no fluke.
Reflecting on the responsibility of being the region’s sole representative, Chacha said: “We are very excited to be the only team representing our province and the Eastern Region on the ZIFA Munhumutapa Cup. Its not by mistake or chance but our team is very strong. The journey was not easy but through team work we are where we are. For the other teams who had failed to make it in our region we say sorry, there is always next time.”
On the tough conditions in Hwange and the team’s performance, he added: “It was a tough game in Hwange but our guys played very well. The temperature were very high but we managed to contain our opponent and show them how it is done by wise men from the east. Before the game the boys were encouraged to play as a team and their play was exceptional.”
He was also full of praise for the players who delivered under pressure: “The boys’ performance was very exceptional and they took my words and lifted the Mash East flag high.”
Looking ahead to the Round of 32, where they will face either PSL opposition or fellow regional qualifiers like FC Oden, Blanket Mine, Hwange and Gwanda Pirates, Chacha sent a clear warning.
“As for the next round, we are continuing with the struggle, don’t doubt us, we are the true warriors for Eastern Region and no one should underestimate us. We are ready for any challenges, we are not the under dogs. Our main objective is to grab the Munhumutapa Cup to Eastern Region regardless that we are a very poor and struggling club. Finally I urged the people of our region to sit back and relax while we do the donkey work. Failing is not an option for us.”
The Marondera based side now join a 32-team field that includes giants Dynamos, Highlanders, FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum, CAPS United, plus regional qualifiers from the Central Region Soccer League, MCM Northern Region Soccer League, Southern Region Soccer League, Mashonaland West, Midlands and Harare Provinces.
