Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports editor
THE National Sports Stadium has been officially handed back to the Government by Sakunda Holdings following the completion of extensive refurbishment works carried out under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement aimed at restoring Zimbabwe’s flagship sporting facility to international standards.
The development marks a major breakthrough in efforts to return international football to Zimbabwe after the stadium was closed in 2023 due to failure to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
Once characterised by deteriorating infrastructure and years of neglect, the iconic stadium has undergone a significant transformation, with key upgrades now complete ahead of final inspections.
Sakunda Holdings spearheaded the rehabilitation programme, which included the installation of a new playing surface, modern bucket seats, upgraded technical areas, improved players’ tunnels and refurbished changing rooms.
Although a few finishing works remain outstanding under other contractors, authorities say the facility is now ready to host domestic matches as Zimbabwe edges closer to regaining the right to stage international fixtures on home soil.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe said the stadium was now in a usable state for local football activities.
“The stadium is ready for use by local teams. Sakunda handed over the stadium. You can see the turf is lush green, the bucket seats for all areas are there, the movable dugouts are also in place, as well as the players’ tunnel, while the fittings for the changing rooms are also available, so effectively we are good to go for the opening of the stadium,” he said.
Sakunda Holdings Chief Operations Officer, Mr Mberikwazvo Charles Chitambo expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved through the partnership with Government.
“We have handed over the stadium to the Government, and we are happy with the working partnership. We purchased 60 000 bucket seats and used 44 000, with the remainder handed over to the Government for use in case of breakages and possibly for other projects, but as for our part, we are good to go,” he said.
Football stakeholders have welcomed the imminent reopening of the stadium, describing it as a major boost for the domestic game and national teams.
Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President, Nqobile Magwizi said the country was finally on the verge of ending years of hosting international matches outside the country.
“This is exciting news. I must commend the Government and Sakunda Holdings for making this dream a reality. We are back home. Just a few touch-ups remain before CAF can inspect ahead of our qualifiers. It was really tough financially and emotionally to host matches away from home,” he said.
Premier Soccer League chairperson, Isaiah Mupfurutsa said the reopening of the stadium would ease pressure on existing venues.
“Now we have another stadium. There was pressure that was being exerted on one facility, but now we have another venue that can host big matches and ease the burden on Rufaro,” he said.
Work on the remaining entrance gate is nearing completion, while installations in the changing rooms are expected once tiling works are finalised.
The reopening of the National Sports Stadium comes at a time when local football has experienced a resurgence in fan interest, highlighted by strong attendances at recent domestic matches, including the Harare Derby which attracted more than 25 000 paying supporters.
With a new safe seating capacity of 44 000 following the installation of bucket seats, the stadium is expected to become the centrepiece of Zimbabwean football once again as the country seeks CAF clearance to resume hosting international matches.
