Malawian international Limbikani Mzava believes the upcoming Mukuru Four Nations Tournament will be crucial preparation for the next cycle of AFCON qualifiers.
The regional showpiece, featuring Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, is set to take centre stage at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on 28 and 31 March.
Following the historic participation of six Southern African countries at the 2025/26 CAF AFCON in Morocco, the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament is being hailed as the perfect opportunity to sustain the region’s footballing progress.
Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Angola, and Zambia all demonstrated the region’s growing strength by qualifying for the AFCON.
“This tournament serves as vital preparation for SADC teams ahead of the upcoming AFCON qualifiers,” Mzava, who conducted the draw on Monday, told FARPost.
The former AmaZulu FC defender also stated that the tournament will help players attract scouts. “It’s an important step in building on the momentum from the last AFCON, where six SADC nations qualified. It also provides a valuable platform for players to showcase their talent and attract the attention of scouts.”
MUKURU FOUR NATIONS TOURNAMENT HOLDS SIGNIFICANCE FOR BOTSWANA
Rhett Delaney, Mukuru’s Head of Brand & Product Marketing, highlighted the company’s commitment to Southern African football.
“As you know, three of these countries recently competed at the AFCON finals in Morocco. Mukuru takes great pride in this milestone, not only as a moment of achievement, but as a reflection of the region’s growing football potential,” he said.
Delaney added that Mukuru is dedicated to nurturing talent, strengthening competition, and elevating football across the SADC region. “Our focus has always been on connecting with communities through sport. Football, in particular, is a powerful unifier across our markets,” he said.
The fintech company has a strong track record in sports sponsorship, from partnerships with Crystal Palace in the UK to supporting local teams and athletes such as the Mighty Wanderers in Malawi and cricketer Temba Bavuma.
The tournament also holds significance for Botswana, which has expressed interest in jointly hosting the AFCON with South Africa. “Events of this nature provide a valuable opportunity to assess their readiness and capacity to stage a tournament of such magnitude,” Delaney noted.
Mukuru is entering an initial two-year partnership with the tournament, with plans to extend and build a long-term, sustainable regional competition aimed at continuing the momentum for Southern African football.
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