By Flata Kavinga
Minister of Energy and Power Development July Moyo has called on football supporters, players and club officials to uphold peace and discipline during matches, saying violence has no place in Zimbabwean football.
Speaking at the launch and draw of the US$16 000 Dream Inn Gold Metal Investments (GMI) Super 8 Challenge Cup 2026 in Kwekwe, Moyo said football should unite communities and inspire young people rather than become a source of conflict.
He urged players, coaches and match officials to uphold professionalism, integrity and fair play throughout the tournament.
“Compete strongly but remember that football must unite communities,” Moyo said.
The minister also appealed to supporters to attend matches in large numbers while behaving responsibly and peacefully.
“I encourage supporters to attend matches in numbers and to support their teams responsibly and peacefully. Football must be played in a peaceful environment,” he said.
Moyo said the presence of security personnel at football matches should be viewed as part of efforts to maintain peace and order.
He said football provided an important platform for promoting patriotism, discipline and positive values among young people.
Referring to the recent FIFA World Cup, Moyo encouraged players to sing the national anthem with pride, saying they should recognise their influence as role models to aspiring footballers.
“The players are the ones our children admire. When you sing the national anthem, you are inspiring not just yourselves to win, but the whole country and the young people who look up to you,” he said.
Moyo commended Gold Metal Investments and Dream Inn BnB for sponsoring the inaugural tournament, describing private sector investment in football as an important contribution to youth development and community empowerment.
He said the competition would provide a platform for the top eight teams in the ZIFA Central Region Division One Soccer League to showcase their talent while promoting teamwork, discipline and community participation.
ZIFA Central Region Soccer League chairperson Patrick Hill also urged participating clubs to safeguard the integrity of the competition by embracing fair play and respect on and off the pitch.
“We need to protect this tournament. Let the values of fair play, teamwork and respect be your guide both on and off the pitch,” Hill said.
Gold Metal Investments general manager Charles Chahwanda echoed the call, encouraging teams to compete with passion while maintaining discipline, integrity and respect.
