Munhumutapa Challenge Cup roars into life

All is set for the first round of the ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League.

With US$5 million on the table this year, the Eastern Region begins its first round this weekend with four last-32 slots up for grabs from this side.

Launched last month by His Excellency President E.D Mnangagwa, the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup comes with a five-year, US$25 million package.

This year alone, US$5 million will be shared across the competition.

Every team earns, from first-round exit to the final, with payouts rising at each stage.

Only four ERSL sides will make it to the final stage.

They will join four qualifiers each from the Northern, Central, and Southern Region Soccer Leagues in the last 32, before the Castle Lager PSL giants enter.

Pacific Storm ERSL Regional Administrator Fungai Munyoro-Chingaira says the region is ready to deliver.

“All is set for the first round,” Munyoro-Chingaira told Fanzone. “We know how competitive our teams are every week in the league. That fight now goes into the cup and may the spirit of the game be the winner at the end.”

Ten ties. Four tickets. No replays. For ex-PSL sides like Tenax, GreenFuel, and Buffaloes, it’s about pedigree.

For AMV FC, Wangu Mazoze, and Bikita Chida, it’s a chance to announce themselves to the bigger stage.