THE Zimbabwe Footgolf Association will this week host a two-day junior tournament that doubles as a qualification pathway for the Junior FootGolf World Cup, scheduled for July 16 to 19 in Germany.
The tournament will run from March 21 to 22 at the Kadoma Golf Course and will determine which young players earn the right to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage, with qualification based on a points system.
Zimbabwe National Footgolf marketing, media and communication manager Angelica Garira said players with the highest points in each category will secure qualification slots. However, the total number of places allocated to Zimbabwe depends on the number of registered youth licences with the Federation for International FootGolf.
“The one with the highest points qualifies first, depending on the number of players required per category per member country,” Garira told NewsDay Sport.
“So on this one, we are given slots depending on the number of youth licences we have.”
Currently, Zimbabwe has eight confirmed junior slots, but could secure more if additional players register their licences with the international body.
Financial constraints remain a major barrier, Garira admitted. Each player must pay a US$30 licence fee to the international federation, while tournament participation also carries a cost. To encourage participation, the association reduced entry fees: affiliated members will pay US$60, ordinary members US$70, non-members US$80, and juniors just US$50 if they are affiliated. Fees cover lunches and tournament-branded T-shirts.
Garira said the association is appealing to corporate sponsors to support the event and assist talented juniors who might otherwise miss out.
“While we believe in nurturing talent, our hands are tied due to limited resources,” Garira said.
“We’re counting on the tournament to serve as a platform to attract potential sponsors and partners who share our vision.”
Despite financial hurdles, the association remains committed to creating opportunities for young Zimbabwean players to compete internationally.
Footgolf — a fast-growing sport that combines football and golf — has been gaining traction in Zimbabwe, particularly among youth. The Kadoma tournament promises to showcase both experienced players and newcomers, all vying for a chance to compete in Germany.
