PROPHET Magaya’s Heart Stadium will finally be commissioned tomorrow morning with top Government officials and various football stakeholders set to attend the ceremony.
The compact arena, which has an initial capacity of 5000 people was supposed to be officially opened last month but it was shelved because some key officials had other commitments.
But tomorrow will see a new baby, a unique one in so many ways, joining the local football landscape amid optimism CAF matches will also be staged on that arena.
The mega-dollar venue was built in a record time of just two months with Prophet Magaya selling some of his most expensive possessions to see to it that his dream became a reality.
Funds permitting, there are plans to erect terraces on two wings that are currently empty to double the venue’s capacity to 10 000 spectators.
Prophet Magaya told Zimpapers Sports that all was set for the commissioning of this facility, urging people to be at the venue by 7am as it is an early morning event to allow guests to then embark on other businesses.
“It is our role to do all we can to ensure that our children have a better future.
“The Heart Stadium is meant create an environment for our people to thrive and for every talented sports person to excel.
“I invite you all to be a part of this legacy — join us for the official opening on Sunday 10 December 2023. I strongly urge you to be there by 7am as the program is starting early,” he said.
Looking at the project, Magaya said he is humbled that senior Government officials have agreed to grace the occasion.
“I am a relieved man right now. The past two months or so have been very hectic. I am humbled that the experts and top Government officials have been in support of this project right from the day we laid the first brick.
“I salute the workers and volunteers from my church who worked day and night to make sure that this project saw the light if the day.
“This was driven by my heart. I can tell you that I had to sell some of my assets just to kick start this project.
“I even quarrelled with my family as they wanted to stop me from this undertaking. But eventually they saw the light and they decided to give me their support.
“I am happy the project will now be commissioned and it’s not for my own use. It’s for football.
I love football and this is for the game that I like the most.
“I am very happy to say the least”.
The stadium has so many unique features including a suspended pitch that makes it the best in the country in terms of its effective drainage system.
The venue also has a director’s box that houses corporates allowing them to advertise their goods and services.
There is also prominent area on which a Hall of Fame roll will be placed with iconic footballers including the deceased from this country set to be on that list.
The new stadium has been built adjacent to the older one at the Yadah hotel.
The old pitch will be developed into a multi-purpose arena with a tartan athletics track set to be installed in the not-so-distant future.
Herald
