The inaugural ZIFA Midlands Province Golden Mine Octa Knockout Competition reaches its climax on Sunday when Manyama FC face Chili FC in the final at Chahwanda Stadium.
The match kicks off at 2pm, with the finalists battling to become the first champions of the tournament, which is the first sponsored knockout competition in the history of the ZIFA Midlands Province Division Two League.
However, the final could mark more than the end of the inaugural competition, with organisers hoping the tournament becomes an annual event.
ZIFA Midlands Province chairperson Pervious Mathe said negotiations with sponsor Golden Mine Octa were at an advanced stage to retain the competition.
“Negotiations are at an advanced stage to make it an annual event and I am confident to have an improved tournament in the years to come,” said Mathe.
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The US$7,000-sponsored competition has attracted large crowds throughout the tournament, with Mathe saying the response had exceeded expectations.
“In terms of administration of the tournament I am happy. The competition was massive and spectators turned out in large numbers for all the matches and we expect even more at the final,” he said.
Chahwanda Stadium was selected to host the final because of its central location in the province, which stretches from Mberengwa to Gokwe Gandavaroyi.
Mathe said the venue was provided free of charge through a partnership between ZIFA Midlands Province and its owner, Shepherd Chahwanda.
The two parties have worked together since 2024, when Hard Rock FC was competing in the ZIFA Midlands Province Division 2B League.
“We are partners in football development in the Midlands Province and we were offered the facility absolutely free,” Mathe said.
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