Mthuli Ncube Updates on National Sports Stadium Renovations
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has given a progress report on renovations at the National Sports Stadium, saying Zimbabwe is close to ticking off key requirements set by CAF, but not quite there yet.
Speaking during the Mid-Term Budget Review on Thursday, Ncube said several major upgrades are nearing completion. These renovations are part of the government’s efforts to lift a long-standing ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which ruled the stadium unfit to host international matches until it meets modern standards.
Mthuli Ncube Says National Sports Stadium Renovations Nearly Done
Ncube told Parliament that bucket seats, one of CAF’s key demands, are 90% installed. New turf reconstruction is underway and currently sits at 40% completion. The government has also completed turnstile installations at Gate 1 and laid the necessary cabling and tubing for the venue’s operating systems. Work on restoring the water reticulation system is ongoing.
He said the refurbishments are now “at an advanced stage,” listing each milestone as a sign of steady progress.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, the process of refurbishing the National Sports Stadium is now at an advanced stage with the following notable achievements having been realised: Installation of bucket seats, now at 90% completion; Reconstruction works on new turf currently underway, with works currently at 40% completion; Completion of the installation of turnstiles at gate 1 entrance; Completion of the cabling and tubing for the venue operating systems; and Restoration of the water reticulation system is in progress.,” he said.
Zimbabwe has been under pressure to modernise the National Sports Stadium ever since CAF blacklisted it for failing to meet international requirements. Among the demands are bucket seating for all stands, electronic turnstiles, a dedicated Venue Operations Centre, and renovations to the adjacent B Arena.
Without these improvements, Zimbabwe remains barred from hosting home matches, a situation that has frustrated fans and football officials alike.
Also read: Kirsty Coventry Gives Progress Update on National Sports Stadium Refurbishment
Warriors Still Likely to Miss September Home Games
Despite the progress, the stadium is unlikely to be ready in time for Zimbabwe’s next round of international fixtures scheduled between 1 and 9 September. That means the Warriors are expected to play their home matches abroad yet again.
The ongoing exile has led to Zimbabwe being mockingly referred to as “international orphans” by some South African fans, a jibe that has stuck with each passing fixture played away from home.
While the stadium facelift is finally gaining pace, for now, it seems Warriors fans will have to keep packing their bags or watching from afar.
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