Story by Anashe Murombedzi
CHAHWANDA Stadium is set for a second CAF inspection after the Zimbabwe Football Association expressed satisfaction with progress made at the state-of-the-art facility during an assessment tour this Friday.
The Zimbabwe Football Association Executive Committee was at Chahwanda Stadium to engage stakeholders, inspect the facility and assess the progress made in developing football infrastructure.
The inspection covered the VVIP and VIP sections, accommodation, kitchen, conference facilities, as well as the B and C arenas.
The association confirmed it has received the CAF inspection report from February and is now expecting CAF inspectors to return for a second assessment.
“We are happy that we have received the report from CAF that came in February, and they will be coming again for the second inspection. This is the only facility we have that is world-class. We have had challenges with fixtures because we do not have enough stadiums for our communities. So we want to thank Mr Chahwanda for closing that gap,” ZIFA president, Nqobile Magwizi said.
ZIFA has developed a comprehensive blueprint outlining the infrastructure requirements needed to secure CAF accreditation, while further upgrades are continuing at the complex’s B Arena.
“We are working on the issues raised by CAF, and we are on course. There are no major challenges, and we will give an update by the end of July. When people who lead the game give you support, you go on and on,” Hardrock FC Board Member, Charles Chahwanda said.
ZIFA also highlighted the importance of the facility to women’s football, noting that Hardrock, which owns the stadium, also fields a women’s team currently leading the Division One standings.
“It is for the womenfolk, and it means women’s teams and matches can also be played,” ZIFA vice president, Loveness Mukura said.
Chahwanda Stadium, alongside the National Sports Stadium, is currently awaiting CAF approval to host international matches.
