THE local football landscape in Manicaland province is set for good times as ambitious new side Africa Mineral Ventures Football Club (AMV FC) announced its entry into the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) after successfully acquiring the franchise of Rusununguko High School and adopted Rusununguko Academy.
Established in 2025, AMV FC arrives with a clear mandate: to ignite a football revolution in Rusape by blending elite performance with a deep-rooted commitment to community development.
The acquisition is more than just a seat at the table of Zimbabwe’s second-tier league; it is a holistic takeover of a proven developmental pipeline.
By absorbing the Rusununguko Academy into its official framework, AMV FC has secured a clear pathway for talent, ensuring that the next generation of stars from Rusape can transition seamlessly from grassroots to professional football.
“Africa Mineral Ventures Football Club formally announces its successful attainment of Eastern Region Division One status, following the strategic acquisition of the Rusununguko High School franchise,” the club said in a statement yesterday.
“This development marks a significant milestone in the club’s structured growth and its long-term commitment to football development in Rusape and the wider Manicaland province.”
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The acquisition of the Rusununguko High franchise has enabled AMV FC to secure its place in Eastern Region Division One while aligning with its broader vision of establishing a professionally governed, competitively structured and sustainably managed football institution.
“The club remains guided by its foundational belief that football serves as a powerful catalyst for personal growth, social cohesion, and economic opportunity,” they added.
The club’s executive leadership, headed by chairman Godfrey Mufuranhewe, has emphasised that the club will be run as a modern, transparent and professionally governed institution.
AMV FC’s vision is steered by a dedicated executive team comprising Mufuranhewe, vice-chairman Shingiso Felix Sahumani, general manager and secretary Nyasha Kadenge, who has vast experience in topflight football, treasurer Clarice Nyika, and committee member Plan Mutsakani.
Speaking on the latest development and the cub's mission for the upcoming season, General Manager Kadenge highlighted that the move is a calculated step toward national relevance.
“Attaining Eastern Region Division One status through the acquisition of the Rusununguko High franchise is a strategic step in AMV FC’s long-term vision,” Kadenge stated.
“By integrating the Rusununguko Academy into our structure, we are strengthening our commitment to developing local talent from grassroots level through to elite competition.
“Our objective is to build a competitive, professionally run football club that represents Rusape with distinction while delivering tangible value to players, supporters, sponsors, and the broader community.”
AMV FC is not looking to merely participate in the Eastern Region.
The club has already hit the ground running with intensive player recruitment as they prepare to challenge for a ticket to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) this season.
Beyond the scoreboard, the club aims to act as a socio-economic engine for Rusape.
Through football tourism and infrastructure projects, AMV FC hopes to create employment and provide a source of pride for the local youth, using football as a catalyst for life skills and
discipline.
As the ERSL season approaches, all eyes will be on Rusape to see if this ambitious venture can, indeed, strike gold and bring top-flight football back to the town.
Rusape’s ceremonial home of football, Vengere Stadium, has already hosted PSL football in the past, and perhaps AMV FC can turn back the hands of time.