Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sport Editor
THE country’s ceremonial home of local football, Rufaro Stadium, is set to be reopened on February 11 when it hosts the Mayor’s Challenge Cup, pitting archrivals Dynamos and CAPS United.
Rufaro Stadium was closed in 2019 and five years later, it is set to welcome spectators with renovations almost complete.
There have been countless failed attempts to reopen the ceremonial home of local football but this time the Mayor of Harare, Councillor Jacob Mafume has spoken with conviction.
“We are happy to announce that Rufaro Stadium will be opened on February 11 hosting the Mayor’s Challenge Cup, yes I know we did not meet some of our earlier deadlines but as you can see for yourselves everything is almost ready and by the elleventh, we would have concluded everything and the Premier Soccer League will be played here this season.”
Clubs have been shying away from the controversy associated with the match venue but this Tuesday Dynamos and CAPS United representatives were in attendance confirming their participation in the Mayors’ Challenge Cup.
“We are excited to come back home, the council engaged us about the match and we can see that the stadium is almost ready and it’s just a matter of touch-ups,” said Dynamos Treasurer, Musa Gwasira.
“Rufaro is our home and we have good memories on this ground and we are happy to be adding more memories shortly with matches returning this side,” said CAPS United representative, Onismus Chawoma-Matsika.
The stadium will open its doors on the 11th of February as Dynamos and CAPS United clash in the inaugural Mayor’s Challenge Cup with proceeds going to charity.
