The 2026 Zimbabwean top-flight football season will officially kick off with the return of the Castle Lager Challenge Cup, scheduled for 1 March 2026 at Rufaro Sports Stadium in Mbare, Harare.

The curtain-raiser will see reigning league champions Scottland FC take on 2025 Chibuku Super Cup holders Dynamos FC, in a high-profile encounter set to usher in the new Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.

The annual Challenge Cup traditionally pits the country’s league champions against the Chibuku Super Cup winners and is expected to attract a large crowd, underlining the strong national following and historic rivalry between the two clubs.

Beyond the on-field action, the 2026 edition will include a US$5,000 community development initiative. The winning team will nominate a community to benefit from the drilling of a borehole, reinforcing Castle Lager’s commitment to social impact through improved access to clean water.

The fixture also presents an early test of form, as Scottland FC continue to establish themselves among the elite, while Dynamos FC seek to reaffirm their status as one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated football clubs.

Supporters will have the opportunity to win match tickets through Castle Lager in-trade promotions, while Chill Spot Entertainment is set to provide live entertainment, adding to the match-day experience.

Match Details:
Date: 1 March 2026
Venue: Rufaro Sports Stadium, Mbare, Harare

The Castle Lager Challenge Cup is sponsored by Delta Beverages through its flagship brand Castle Lager.

By Varaidzo Matope

CAF stadium inspector Aloys Mpambara earlier today carried out a detailed inspection of Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe as the venue seeks to meet continental hosting standards ahead of the new season.

Mpambara, who is serving as a CAF Infrastructure Consultant, toured the facility, also known as The Heart Main Arena, examining critical areas including the playing surface, dressing rooms, safety features, media facilities and general stadium infrastructure. The visit is part of CAF’s routine compliance process to ensure venues meet the minimum requirements for hosting international and continental matches.

The inspection comes at a crucial time for PSL newcomers Hardrock FC, who have adopted Chahwanda Stadium as their home ground following their promotion to the top flight. The club is hoping the venue will receive the necessary approval to stage high-profile fixtures and avoid the need to use alternative venues outside the Midlands.

Officials believe a positive assessment would represent a major milestone for football development in Kwekwe and the wider Midlands province, potentially bringing elite domestic and continental action closer to local supporters while boosting the town’s sporting profile.

CAF is expected to provide feedback after reviewing the inspection findings, with any identified areas requiring attention likely to be addressed before final certification is considered.

The 2026 Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup will take place on March 14 at Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, with organisers confirming growing international interest ahead of the continental event.

Event director Rick Fulton said more than 20 elite athletes from 14 countries have already registered, with further entries expected before the closing date.

“The competition will feature elite races alongside supporting multi-sport events,” said Mr Fulton

Zimbabwean triathlete Andie Kuipers is set to return to the elite women’s category after missing the 2025 edition, adding further local interest to the race.

Last year’s event attracted 343 athletes across all categories, and organisers are targeting at least 400 competitors for the 2026 edition as the race continues to gain prominence on the African triathlon calendar.

The Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup forms part of the Africa Cup series and has steadily grown in stature, drawing elite athletes while boosting sports tourism in Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the event, Emily Jesaya, the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation and Guest of Honour, praised the organisers for their professionalism and consistency.

“The government values the role of triathlon in enhancing Zimbabwe’s competitive appeal by attracting elite athletes and international visitors, while positioning the country as a reliable destination for high-quality sport,” said Hon Jesaya.

She added that she would like to see other sporting disciplines emulate the class, consistency and ability of Triathlon Zimbabwe to attract major sponsors.

The 2026 edition is expected to further cement Zimbabwe’s place on the continental triathlon map while contributing to the growth of sport tourism in the Eastern Highlands.