Inaugural tournament promotes grassroots football, player development, identity and a positive “Say No to Drugs” message
Harare, Zimbabwe — August 29, 2026
The inaugural Maks Sports National Series Cup ended on a high note on August 29 at the University of Zimbabwe, delivering a successful celebration of grassroots football while promoting player development, community identity and positive choices among Zimbabwe’s young people.
Organised by Maks Sports, the tournament brought together four teams for a competitive day of football, providing players with an opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of supporters, football stakeholders and the wider community.
At the end of the competition, Madziva FC emerged as the inaugural champions following an impressive series of performances throughout the tournament.
More Than Just Football
For Maks Sports, the National Series Cup was designed to be more than a football competition.
The tournament forms part of the company’s broader vision of using sport as a vehicle for player development, youth empowerment, community engagement and social responsibility.
Through competitions such as the National Series Cup, Maks Sports aims to identify talented players, provide them with competitive opportunities and help create pathways through which promising footballers can continue developing.
The tournament also placed emphasis on giving young players a sense of identity and belonging particularly those coming from grassroots communities.
The message was simple: talent can come from anywhere, and players should be proud of the communities and identities they represent.
CEO Alpha Makwara: A Day to Be Proud Of
Maks Sports CEO Alpha Makwara expressed his gratitude following the successful tournament, acknowledging the players, teams, supporters, organisers and partners who contributed to making the event possible. Alpha
Makwara also highlighted the importance of using football to encourage young people to make positive decisions and stay away from drugs and other harmful influences.
“We are extremely grateful for the success of the Maks Sports National Series Cup. For us, this was never just about winning a trophy. It was about creating an environment where young players can develop, express themselves and be proud of who they are and where they come from.”
He added:
“We also want to use the power of sport to send a strong message to our young people: say no to drugs. Football can give young people purpose, discipline, identity and something positive to work towards. We want Maks Sports to be part of that journey.”
Developing Zimbabwe’s Next Generation.
Player development remains one of the key pillars of the Maks Sports vision.
The company believes grassroots competitions can play an important role in helping players gain valuable match experience while providing coaches and football stakeholders with opportunities to identify emerging talent.
The National Series Cup is therefore intended to become a platform where players can compete, develop, be seen and progress.
Maks Sports also intends to incorporate sports data and media into its future competitions, creating greater visibility around players and teams and helping build a stronger football ecosystem.
Madziva FC Make History
Madziva FC will forever hold a special place in the history of the competition as the first-ever Maks Sports National Series Cup champions.
Their performances throughout the tournament were a testament to the talent and potential that exists within Zimbabwe’s grassroots football communities.
Their victory also demonstrated one of the fundamental beliefs behind the Maks Sports project: football development must reach beyond the traditional centres of the game.
Building Community Identity
One of the most important aspects of the tournament was its ability to bring communities together through football.
For players representing grassroots clubs, wearing their team’s colours and representing their community provides a powerful sense of identity.
Maks Sports believes this connection can help young footballers develop not only as athletes but also as responsible members of their communities.
The National Series Cup therefore represents an opportunity to build a football culture based on pride, discipline, teamwork, respect and ambition.
The Beginning of a Bigger Vision
The success of the inaugural tournament provides Maks Sports with a strong foundation to expand its sporting activities across Zimbabwe.
The company’s ambitions extend beyond tournaments, with plans to develop a broader sports ecosystem incorporating sports data, media, competitions, player development, talent identification and community initiatives.
Maks Sports is also exploring the redevelopment of Madziva Stadium into a modern community sports complex that could provide a permanent home for football development, tournaments and other sporting activities.
The proposed facility could include improved spectator terraces, VIP areas, changing rooms, hospitality and catering facilities, commercial spaces, digital ticketing and facilities dedicated to player development.
A Message to the Next Generation
The National Series Cup ultimately delivered a message that goes beyond the football pitch.
Dream big. Work hard. Represent your community with pride. Develop your talent. And say no to drugs.
For Maks Sports, the inaugural National Series Cup is only the beginning.
With Madziva FC crowned as the first champions, the foundations have been laid for what the organisation hopes will become a major platform for grassroots football development in Zimbabwe.
The first trophy has been lifted. The next generation is already being developed.
MAKS SPORTS NATIONAL SERIES CUP
29 August 2026 | University of Zimbabwe | Harare, Zimbabwe
MAKS SPORTS
Data • Media • Sport • Development
