The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup has thrown up another intriguing women’s football showdown, with Northern Region Division One side Scottland Queens set to face Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League champions Herentals Queens in a Round-of-16 clash.
The encounter brings together two teams from very different levels of the women’s football pyramid, but with enough history, ambition and big names behind them to promise a fiercely contested battle.
Scottland Queens have already shown that they are capable of punching above their weight after eliminating CAPS United Royals on penalties in the previous round. The result has added another chapter to the growing Scottland-CAPS United rivalry, which has also developed strongly on the men’s football scene.
Despite competing in Division One, Scottland Queens have refused to be intimidated by Premier League opposition and will enter the Herentals clash with confidence after their giant-killing performance.
Speaking after the draw ceremony ahead of their meeting with CAPS United Royals, Scottland Queens chairperson Michel Williams said the opportunity to compete against top-flight opposition was a significant milestone for the club.
“I would say it's an honour to actually play because since we are still in Division One right now, we're in the Northern Region. For us to be playing against a team that's in the Premier League, I'm actually honoured, and we're looking forward to that game,” said Williams.
However, Williams made it clear that Scottland Queens are not in the competition simply to make up the numbers.
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“Definitely, Scottland Queens, we're in it to win it,” she added.
That ambition will now be put to another major test when they come up against a Herentals Queens side boasting considerably more experience at the highest level of Zimbabwean women’s football.
Herentals Queens have established themselves as one of the country’s leading women’s clubs, winning the Zimbabwe Women’s Premier Soccer League title in 2024 and 2025. Their domestic success has also earned them a place on the continental stage, with the club set to represent Zimbabwe in the CAF Confederation Cup in Botswana.
That pedigree makes Herentals the favourites on paper, but cup football often produces surprises, and Scottland’s victory over CAPS United has already demonstrated that the Division One outfit cannot be taken lightly.
The clash is therefore likely to be about more than just the difference between the two divisions. Scottland will be seeking another major upset and an opportunity to announce themselves on a bigger stage, while Herentals will be determined to underline their status as one of Zimbabwe’s elite women’s sides.
The other Round-of-16 encounters will see Las Palmas face Herentals Under-19, Hardrock Queens take on Black Mambas Queens, Kwekwe Queens meet Harare City Queens, while Maningi face Faith Drive.
Chegutu Community Queens will square off against Black Rhinos Queens, FC Platinum Royals will meet Correctional Queens, and Chapungu Queens will battle Mpopoma Queens
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