Scottland FC Pays $40,000 for President Mnangagwa-Signed Soccer Ball

Scottland FC drew widespread attention after placing a massive US$40,000 bid for a soccer ball signed by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The high-stakes bid took place during the ED-UNZA golf prize-giving dinner hosted at State House on Friday night, 25 July 2025.

The event served as a fundraiser for the ED-UNZA Scholarship Fund, which supports underprivileged students pursuing higher education in Zimbabwe and at the University of Zambia. The scholarship program, aiming to assist 100 students by 2026, selects recipients from all ten provinces of Zimbabwe.

Earlier in the day, President Mnangagwa had signed the football during a Putt-Out Challenge held at Royal Golf Harare. Later that evening, Scottland FC outbid others at the auction to claim the prized memorabilia.

The Herald’s online post about the auction sparked a range of responses. While some praised the effort as a creative way to raise funds for education, others expressed skepticism—questioning whether the money would truly benefit students, and poking fun at the perceived extravagance of the event.

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