Football fans will return to Harare’s National Sports Stadium next week, but only 10,000 spectators will be allowed into the venue for each authorised match. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) conditional approval to host matches following the death of a supporter that prompted a safety review.
The decision paves the way for two fixtures in October 2026, with strict crowd-control measures imposed to prevent further safety incidents.
National Sports Stadium Cleared For Zimbabwe vs Malawi Clash
The first match covered by the authorisation is Zimbabwe’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament qualifier against Malawi on 13 October 2026.
The second is the CAF Champions League fixture between Scottland FC and Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for 17 October 2026.
ZIFA confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Friday, 9 October 2026, while expressing condolences to the family of the deceased supporter.
“The safety of spectators, players, officials and all match personnel remains our foremost priority,” the association said.
CAF Imposes Strict Safety Conditions At National Sports Stadium
Under the new conditions, stadium gates must open five hours before kick-off. Attendance will be capped at 10,000, and spectators will only be permitted into designated, approved sections.
ZIFA said ticketing arrangements, entry procedures and parking details would be communicated separately.
The association also warned that hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism and forced entry would not be tolerated.
“Offenders will be refused entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending matches,” ZIFA warned.
Additional safeguards will cover security deployment, medical services, emergency response and crowd management. A CAF Safety and Security Officer will monitor compliance.
The conditional approval means the stadium’s return to hosting matches depends on meeting the prescribed safety requirements. Failure to comply could result in further restrictions or the withdrawal of permission.
The post CAF Clears National Sports Stadium For Return Of Fans, But Imposes Strict Conditions appeared first on iHarare News.
