Preparations are at an advanced stage for the 2025 edition of the Kwekwe Mayor’s Challenge Cup, which will take place on September 26, with sponsorship estimated at around US$20,000.
The tournament, spearheaded by Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga, will feature multiple sporting disciplines including soccer, netball, volleyball, basketball and handball.
The main venue will be Mbizo Stadium, while two additional venues—likely Manure High School and Chiedza Primary School—are expected to be confirmed soon.
Mayor Zinhanga said teams have already registered, with a positive response from the community.
“In terms of preparations, the organizing team has done well and we are now working on minor logistics such as spreading information so that people attend in numbers. Logistically we are ready for the tournament,” he said.
This year’s edition will also see out-of-school youth included in the games for the first time. Mayor Zinhanga said the move was aimed at providing opportunities for young people outside formal education and reducing the risks of drug abuse.
“In the past we focused mainly on school-going children, but we realized that out-of-school youth were left out. That is a critical group, because without activities, many end up engaging in drugs. We are fighting drugs through sports, and that’s why this year everyone is included,” he said.
Sponsorship for the tournament has come in both monetary and non-monetary form from various partners, with the total value estimated at around US$20,000.
The Mayor’s Challenge Cup is expected to draw large crowds and provide a platform to promote talent, unity and youth empowerment in the city.
