The ZIFA Mashonaland East Province is set to launch an eight-team football tournament in partnership with Tonganyika Trust at Rudhaka Stadium in Marondera on Friday.
Dubbed the Tonganyika Trust Football Tournament, the competition is sponsored to the tune of US$5 000 and is expected to kick off on Saturday.
Tonganyika Trust is a charitable foundation founded by Hunyani Constituency legislator and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Tongai Mnangagwa.
In a joint statement, ZIFA Mashonaland East Province and Tonganyika Trust said the tournament aims to promote football development and enhance competition within the province.
“The sponsorship reflects the Trust’s continued commitment to youth empowerment, sport development and community upliftment,” the statement read.
“The tournament will feature four teams from last season and four new affiliates in the ZIFA Mashonaland East Division Two league.”
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The participating teams are Hukuru FC, Hunyani United FC, Chibamu FC, Bhundu Rollers Academy, Joyce Mine FC, Rusununguko Academy, Ghetto Pirates and Axom College.
Mnangagwa said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to invest in youth development through sport.
“Sport is an important platform for youth empowerment and community development,” he said.
“Through the Tonganyika Trust Football Tournament, we aim to give talented young players in Mashonaland East an opportunity to showcase their abilities while promoting discipline, teamwork and positive community values. Tonganyika Trust is proud to support initiatives that nurture grassroots talent and strengthen our communities.”
ZIFA Mashonaland East chairperson Gerald Sasa welcomed the partnership, highlighting its importance in strengthening football structures at the provincial level.
“We commend Tonganyika Trust for supporting football development in Mashonaland East. This tournament will increase competition among our top teams and provide an excellent platform for talent identification. Partnerships of this nature are key to ensuring sustainable growth of the game within our province,” he said.
The teams will be divided into two groups of four and will play in a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners progressing to the final to determine the inaugural champions.