Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Four Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clubs are making frantic efforts to refurbish their stadia to meet the topflight league’s requirements within the shortest possible time.
The challenges being faced by some Premier Soccer league clubs in hosting matches could soon be a thing of the past with the new boys working round the clock to enjoy home advantage.
Newly promoted side Green Fuel is hosting matches at Gibbo stadium, over 100 km away from their base in Chisumbanje.
However, the club is sprucing up the Chisumbanje Sports Arena with the club indicating that they have made significant progress on the perimeter fence while the turf is now in perfect condition.
There is, however, still work being done on the media facilities, with the VIP terrace almost done.
The club is hoping to start hosting matches by Match Day Six.
Fellow newcomers Sheasham look like they will be the first to host matches if Bata Stadium which has been given a massive facelift is approved by the First Instance Board.
Most of the work is done with a few bucket seats still to be installed while changing rooms are getting final touches.
The Gweru-based club is working on hosting their match against fellow new boys Green Fuel on Match Day Five.
League returnees Hwange have failed to take football back to the Colliery stadium because their changing rooms are not suitable for premier league standards.
In the meantime, the club is training at the colliery while travelling more than 300km to host matches in Bulawayo.
However, the club has been working on the match venue and hopes to conclude within the next two weeks.
The First Instance Board has, however, urged the clubs to engage them every step of the way.
“All those who invited us we gave them areas to work on and once they do that their facilities will be approved but they must not renovate without engaging us or they risk doing the wrong things,” said Xolisani Gwesela – Club licensing officer.
Simba Bhora have also been upgrading Wadzanayi stadium in Shamva, but indications on the ground are that they are still a long way to go as they hope to put a massive structure in Shamva.
The standardisation of stadiums is based on the CAF club licensing requirements.
