National Sports Stadium Cleared To Host CAF, AFCON And World Cup Qualifiers
Zimbabwe has received a major boost in its bid to bring international football back to home soil after the National Sports Stadium secured CAF Category 3 approval.
The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture announced the development in a statement following a recent technical inspection.
The approval means the Harare stadium can now host several major continental and international fixtures, subject to the specific requirements of individual competitions.
Also Read: National Sports Stadium Handed Back to Government After Major Refurbishment
Major Matches Can Return To Harare
With the new classification, the National Sports Stadium is eligible to host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches.
The venue can also stage Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Other competitions that fall under CAF’s Category 3 requirements may also be played at the stadium.
The development ends a lengthy period in which Zimbabwe struggled to use its premier football venue for major international matches because of infrastructure and compliance concerns.
Government Credits Stadium Rehabilitation
The ministry said the approval followed significant progress on priority work carried out at the stadium.
It described the achievement as part of Government’s broader efforts to restore the facility as Zimbabwe’s leading football venue.
The rehabilitation programme is also linked to the country’s National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, which place emphasis on improving sports infrastructure.
The ministry said the development also supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of having international football played in Zimbabwe so that local supporters can watch major matches at home.
Sakunda Support Highlighted
The Government also acknowledged Sakunda Holdings for its contribution towards the stadium’s rehabilitation.
The company supported improvements to the playing surface and the installation of bucket seats.
According to the ministry, the upgrades have improved the stadium’s functionality and appearance while enhancing the experience for spectators.
The Government said the partnership demonstrated how private-sector involvement could complement public investment in major national infrastructure projects.
CAF Commends Zimbabwe’s Progress
The ministry also credited the Zimbabwe Football Association for providing technical support throughout the process.
CAF reportedly recognised the work undertaken by the Government and ZIFA to address issues identified during its inspection.
However, Zimbabwe has been encouraged to maintain the current momentum and complete outstanding priority works.
The approval therefore represents an important step rather than the end of the stadium’s rehabilitation programme.
Call To Fill The Stadium
The ministry has now urged football supporters, businesses, sporting organisations and the media to support the development.
It called on Zimbabweans to attend matches, back the Warriors and local clubs, and help protect the country’s sporting facilities.
The Government said the return of international football to Zimbabwean soil would require collective support to ensure the country’s stadiums remain fit to host major competitions.
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