By Flata Kavinga
Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo has commended Gold Metal Investments (GMI) and Dream Inn BnB for launching the US$16 000 Dream Inn GMI Super 8 Challenge Cup 2026, saying the tournament will promote football development, youth empowerment and community participation.
Speaking at the launch and draw of the competition in Kwekwe, Moyo said the tournament would provide a platform for the top eight teams in the ZIFA Central Region Division One Soccer League to showcase their talent while promoting discipline, teamwork and community development.
He said football remained Zimbabwe’s most popular sport and praised the sponsors for investing in the game at a time when private sector support was crucial to its growth.
“This tournament is a welcome addition to the Central Region Soccer League calendar. It provides an important platform for talent development, youth empowerment, discipline, teamwork and community development,” Moyo said.
He said the initiative complemented national efforts to strengthen domestic football, noting that some Central Region clubs would also compete in the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Moyo said the initiative demonstrated how empowered local businesses could contribute to national development by investing in communities through sport.
He said the tournament could inspire young footballers while helping steer youths away from social challenges such as drug and substance abuse.
ZIFA Central Region Soccer League chairperson Patrick Hill described the launch as a milestone for football in the region, saying it marked the return of a major cup competition after more than a decade.
“This sponsorship reflects a profound belief in the power of sport to uplift communities, empower young people and develop the football talent that exists within our region,” Hill said.
He thanked Dream Inn and GMI, particularly company director Shepherd Chahwanda, for their commitment to football development, saying the investment would help revive the regional game.
Hill said the tournament would bring together the top eight teams in the league during the mid-season break and provide clubs with an opportunity to compete for honours while showcasing local talent.
Gold Metal Investments general manager Charles Chahwanda said the company was proud to sponsor a tournament that celebrated sporting excellence, promoted community engagement and showcased the region’s football talent.
“As sponsors, we are delighted to invest in a tournament that celebrates sporting excellence, community engagement and the remarkable talent that continues to emerge from the Central Region Soccer League,” Chahwanda said.
He said football united communities, inspired young people and created opportunities, adding that businesses had a responsibility to reinvest in the communities in which they operate.
Chahwanda said the competition would provide an additional platform for clubs to compete, entertain supporters and strengthen the football ecosystem in the Midlands Province and the wider Central Region.
The launch also featured the first-round draw, which paired Kwekwe with Super Strikers, Chapungu against Tongogara, West Nicholson against Gwanda Pirates, and Grain Tigers against Blanket Mine.
