The stage is set for the 2026 Greater Chishawasha Social Soccer League (GCSSL) Pacific Africa Day Trophy, with football teams preparing to battle for honours in the much-anticipated tournament scheduled for today and tomorrow at Donhodzo Ground.
The tournament, branded “Pacific Bhora,” is expected to draw football fans from this part of Mashonaland East province (Donhodzo and Mjima), with kick-off set for 11am on both days.
Teams taking part include Mothercare Seminary, Zorai Butter, Young Stars, All Stars, Brokefields, Sporting Lions and Mjima FC.
Organisers said the competition is aimed at promoting grassroots football development, youth engagement and community unity through sport.
The event is being staged under the GCSSL Pacific Africa Day Trophy banner and is expected to provide a platform for upcoming talent to showcase their skills while also strengthening social interaction among communities in Mashonaland East province.
Football lovers are expected to witness intense competition as clubs fight for community bragging rights in what promises to be an entertaining two-day social soccer spectacle.
Organisers said they were using the event to celebrate Africa Day through sport and community participation.
Fans have been encouraged to attend in large numbers to support local teams and enjoy the festive atmosphere surrounding the tournament.
The Africa Day tournament also forms part of the wider 2026 Pacific Bhora Nsunku Zonké Tournament, a nationwide football competition that will culminate in a grand finale at Gwanzura Stadium in Harare in December.
Tournament fixtures released recently show matches spread across several provinces and towns, bringing together community clubs, social teams and local football giants in what organisers expect to become one of the biggest grassroots football competitions in the country.
The nationwide campaign kicked off on May 17 in the Murewa/Mutoko route at Chikondoma Grounds, featuring teams such as Mutoko Prisons FC, Chitubu FC, Makaha FC, Snippers FC, Murewa City FC and Deportivo LA Mutoko.
Chitungwiza will host fixtures on June 7 at Jonas Ground with Villagers FC, Chibhanguza FC, Rockview FC and Touchers FC among the participating sides.
The tournament will then move to Marondera on June 21 at Rudhaka Stadium before Norton hosts matches at Kawanzaruwa Ground on July 5.
Other centres lined up include Chegutu, Chinhoyi, Zvishavane, Gweru, Mutare, Kariba, Chivhu, Masvingo, Shamva, Highfield and Ruwa, highlighting the competition’s nationwide reach.
Among notable teams expected to participate are Marondera University FC, Kariba Bullets, Chinhoyi Bullets FC, ZRP Chivhu FC and Mufakose Legends.
The knockout stages will feature a Round of 16 and quarter-finals before the semi-finals and grand finale scheduled for December 12 at Gwanzura Stadium.
Pacific Cigarette trade marketing manager Kuda Chiutsi said the Pacific Bhora Nsunku Zonké initiative continues to grow in popularity as it promotes community football, identifies emerging talent and provides entertainment through competitive grassroots sport.
“The tournament is meant to promote community cohesion and address many ills that are witnessed and mainly exposed to young adults,” she said.
“We believe the tournament ignites more great projects among communities and grows local economies that improve livelihood for all.”
Chiutsi said the football tournament was among her company’s numerous community-centred projects.
Apart from bankrolling the Pacific Bhora Nsunku Zonké, Pacific Cigarette also sponsors Division One football and several football developmental programmes across the country.