South Africa has had its fair share of FIFA-related tournaments and competitions in the past, but for a country like Zimbabwe, being able to play in the big leagues is a huge deal.
It is for that reason that Zimbabwe Mind Sports Union (eSports Zimbabwe) understandably seemed giddy when it announced yesterday that for the first time it will be hosting local qualifiers for this year's FIFA eWorld Cup.
With FIFA 18 qualifiers being held in Harare, Bulawayo and Beitbridge, one player will walk away with the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe on a global stage, and compete against some of the best players in the world.
"The EA SPORTS FIFA 18 Global Series on The Road to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018 is an enhanced global ecosystem that features more competitors and more tournaments than ever before and will culminate with the first ever FIFA eWorld Cup 2018 Grand Final - the pinnacle of the EA SPORTS FIFA 18 Global Series. The winner will go face the undisputed World Champions in August 2018 in London," eSports Zimbabwe said.
According to TechZim, Zimbabwe was granted a license by EA to be recognized in the 2018 FIFA eWorld Cup - which contributed towards the qualifications being held.
"The world's 32 best EA SPORTS FIFA 18 players will compete at the FIFA eWorld Cup 2018, the pinnacle of competitive FIFA gaming and a yearlong qualification tour. At the event, the 16 best Xbox One and 16 best PlayStation 4 virtual footballers on the planet will compete for the World Champion title," FIFA explains on their website.
For those that feel that they have what it takes, head on over to the signup page to register your interest.
And who knows - the next World Champion might just come from Zimbabwe.