Scottland FC Purchases Mnangagwa – Scottland FC, a local football club with growing prominence, caused a stir over the weekend by placing a stunning US$40,000 winning bid for a soccer ball signed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The auction took place during the ED-UNZA Golf Prize-Giving Dinner held at State House in Harare on Friday night, July 25, 2025.
The event was part of a high-profile fundraising campaign to support the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund, a programme designed to help academically gifted but financially disadvantaged Zimbabwean students access higher education. The fund supports learners studying at institutions in both Zimbabwe and the University of Zambia (UNZA). It aims to sponsor at least 100 students by 2026, selecting beneficiaries from each of the country’s ten provinces.
Earlier on Friday, President Mnangagwa had participated in the Putt-Out Challenge at Royal Golf Club in Harare as part of the charity golf tournament. During the event, he autographed a soccer ball — which later became the most sought-after item during the gala dinner auction. Bidding was intense, but Scottland FC ultimately emerged victorious, securing the prized memorabilia for US$40,000.
The moment quickly went viral after being shared on social media by state newspaper The Herald. The reactions online were mixed — with some hailing the gesture as a commendable contribution to educational empowerment, while others viewed the flashy bid with skepticism, questioning the priorities behind such extravagant spending in a country still grappling with economic challenges.
Scottland FC Buys Mnangagwa-Signed Soccer Ball for US$40K at Charity Auction
One user on X (formerly Twitter), @Crispen97922222, appeared supportive but humorous, writing, “Listen the idea is to raise money for the fund. Nothing wrong with anyone giving money. The only problem is when they are not inviting me.”
Another, more cynical take came from @BrotherMhofu, who wrote: “Tirikushaya mafuta ekubikira vana. They are auctioning soccer balls for tens of thousands. I hope that money goes where they say it will.”
Critics were quick to point out the contrast between the high-end fundraising event and the harsh economic realities facing many Zimbabweans — including frequent power outages, a depreciating local currency, and rising food prices. Some questioned whether the funds raised would be transparently managed and truly benefit deserving students, while others viewed the auction as more of a political spectacle than a genuine charitable act.
Still, the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund has been praised in some circles for offering a lifeline to students who would otherwise be locked out of tertiary education due to financial hardship. The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the President and Cabinet, claims to have already assisted dozens of learners since its inception, though details on how the funds are allocated remain closely guarded.
Scottland FC, the benefactor of the evening, has yet to publicly comment on their motivation behind the generous bid. However, sources close to the club suggest the move was both a philanthropic gesture and a strategic branding opportunity — aligning the club with a high-profile national development cause while increasing its visibility.
Political observers have also noted the increasing use of fundraising events like the ED-UNZA Golf Dinner as platforms for public-private partnerships and soft political diplomacy. By inviting businesspeople, athletes, diplomats, and religious leaders to such occasions, the government projects an image of unity, generosity, and shared responsibility for national progress.
An event attendee, speaking anonymously, said the atmosphere at State House was “electric,” with guests mingling in a festive environment and some using the evening to network and pledge further support for the scholarship fund. “The auction was one of the biggest highlights,” the guest said. “People were genuinely excited, though obviously the big money raised raised a few eyebrows too.”
Despite the backlash and skepticism, many agree that if properly managed, the US$40,000 from the auction — along with other donations received during the evening — could go a long way in transforming the lives of promising young Zimbabweans.
With education costs continuing to rise, and unemployment among graduates also a persistent issue, the pressure is now on the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund administrators to demonstrate transparency and deliver tangible outcomes.
In the meantime, the soccer ball bearing the President’s signature now rests in the hands of Scottland FC — not only as a rare collector’s item but also as a symbol of hope, controversy, and the enduring struggle to balance optics with meaningful social impact in Zimbabwe.
Source- iHarare
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