Zimbabwe Confident National Sports Stadium Will Pass CAF Inspection Next Month
The Zimbabwe government says it has accelerated the final touches at the National Sports Stadium, fuelling hopes that the long-closed facility could soon reopen and once again host international football.
If the stadium passes a Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection — expected at the end of next month — the Warriors and Mighty Warriors could finally play their home games on local soil after years of exile.
Following a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, ministers confirmed that key upgrades are almost done. These include installing bucket seats for fans, improving the drainage system, and preparing a new natural grass pitch. The announcement has boosted optimism among football supporters that this time, the stadium might meet CAF’s strict standards.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere outlined the progress, saying bucket seats are now in place and the new turf’s drainage system has been completed.
“Work is in progress to refurbish the National Sports Stadium in Harare Metropolitan Province, with the stadium’s bucket seats having been installed and installation of a new drainage system for the new turf having been completed,” Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said.
Skills Audit Minister Professor Paul Mavima added that the pitch itself will soon be relaid. He said the Cabinet had been told the drainage work should be finished shortly, with the new grass being laid as early as next week, a step he believes will put the stadium just weeks away from being ready.
“What we have been informed in Cabinet is that the bucket seats are complete and the work on the drainage is ongoing, but we understand that it will be done very soon. We hear that maybe by next week they will already be rebuilding the turf, that is, putting the natural grass on the field. “So, we are expecting that the stadium should be ready in a few weeks from now because the work on putting the natural grass on the turf is starting next week, which means the drainage system will be done, which was the major issue after the bucket seats,” said Mavima.
CAF has long demanded that Zimbabwe’s main stadium meet a checklist of requirements before it can host top-tier international games. These include electronic turnstiles, upgraded changing rooms, anti-doping facilities, a proper media tribune, stronger floodlights, and improved safety systems.
Local football officials have welcomed the latest progress, saying the revamped stadium could not only bring back high-profile matches but also inspire a new wave of players and fans.
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