All is now in place for the staging of the inaugural Garrett Morgan Soccer Fest which is scheduled to take place at Glamis Arena on Saturday.
The Garrett Morgan Soccer is a unique mixed gender seven - a - side football festival that celebrates culture and diversity.
A total of 16 senior team are set to compete for the winner-takes-all prize of US$1,000.
"The Garrett Morgan Soccer Fest is a vibrant celebration of Zimbabwean culture and diversity through the unifying power of football. At its core is a mixed-gender 7-a-side social tournament, where each team must field a minimum of two men and two Women at all times — encouraging inclusion, teamwork, and healthy competition in a relaxed but spirited environment," Director for the Garrett Morgan Soccer Fest Tapiwa Taodzera said.
"We’re hosting a maximum of 16 senior teams this year, with a winner-takes-all prize of US$1,000. Around the pitch, festival-goers can expect all-day entertainment from some of Harare’s top DJs — including DJ Tannie Swiss, Matz Music, DJ Andile Brown, and Ace FRVR — as well as affordable food, drinks, and good vibes.
"This is our inaugural edition, and we’re excited to bring the concept to life as we build a vibrant, inclusive community around the event. The inspiration stems from a fond memory — an annual mixed-gender 7-a-side tournament hosted by Christian Brothers College in Bulawayo during the late ’90s. It was more than a football event; it brought people together through music, sport, and community.
"Years later, we saw the opportunity to revive and scale that idea — bringing it into a modern context, with an even greater focus on inclusion, culture, wellness, and community building. We wanted to create a space where brands could connect meaningfully with people, and where communities could come together to enjoy high-quality experiences at accessible prices. Ultimately, we hope to build a festival that becomes a fixture on Zimbabwe’s social calendar, expanding to cities across the country.
- All set for the inaugural Garrett Morgan Soccer Fest
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"Sport is a powerful platform for promoting inclusion. While male and female competitions are typically separated, we believe that mixed-gender formats — much
like mixed doubles in tennis — offer both entertainment and equality. By introducing mixed 7-a-side teams, we aim to create a safe, inclusive, and social space where men and women can compete side-by-side, celebrate their differences, and foster community through shared experiences on the field.
"We’re grateful to have received early support from a few forward-thinking partners. Visibly Heard believed in our vision and has provided support from the outset. Prodairy stepped in with refreshments and giveaways, while The Event Architects have played a vital role in helping us bring the entire festival together.
"While we haven’t secured a headline or major financial sponsor yet, we knew it would be challenging to fund a new concept without a proven track record. That said, we’re deeply appreciative of the organisations that have stood by us early on. With just twodays to go, we’re still in conversation with potential sponsors, and we remain hopeful some may come on board at the final hour," he said.
Taodzera revealed the ultimate vision for the initiative.
The ultimate dream is to build a national platform where Zimbabwean men and women, boys and girls, come together in a vibrant, inclusive environment to enjoy football, music, food, and community.
We want to champion social soccer in mixed-gender formats that promote equality, wellness, and fun — while giving amateur players the chance to compete for meaningful prizes.
"Beyond the pitch, we envision a festival space where families can relax, connect, and experience high-quality entertainment and refreshments at everyday prices.
Our vision is for the Garrett Morgan Soccer Fest to grow into a signature event on Zimbabwe’s annual calendar — celebrated across cities, driven by community, and
supported by brands that believe in inclusion, culture, and national pride," he said.
The entry fee is US$5 and US$2 for children.
