Excitement is brewing among fans of local football teams and national squads as the long-awaited return of international matches looms closer. The National Sports Stadium in Harare, currently undergoing extensive renovations, is on track to once again host thrilling football showdowns.
Local powerhouses including CAF Champions League contenders Ngezi Platinum Stars, Confederation Cup participants Dynamos FC, and the national team Warriors have been forced to play their home fixtures in neighboring countries due to the unavailability of CAF/FIFA compliant stadiums.
In a significant turn of events, the government has taken charge of the stadium’s refurbishments, signaling a promising era where international football matches will grace the nation once more.
The latest update on the renovations was disclosed by Hon. Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, during a recent post-cabinet briefing.
Dr. Muswere stated, “Progress on the refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium in Harare Metropolitan Province is proceeding well.”
The water reticulation system stands at an impressive 65% completion, while communication systems are halfway through their implementation, and the installation of bucket seats has reached 35% completion.
“Stadium water reticulation works are 65% complete; closed-circuit television (CCTV), turnstiles, and Venue Operations Control are 50% complete; and bucket seat installation is 35% complete,” emphasized Dr. Muswere.
Upon completion, the renovations will transform the National Sports Stadium into a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will stand out as a premier venue in the African region, exceeding the standards set by football governing bodies CAF and FIFA.
CAF had outlined specific requirements that the stadium needed to meet to regain its eligibility to host international matches.
The commitment of the Second Republic to prioritize all sectors of the economy is evident, with a focus on inclusivity and progress for all.
Football, being a multi-million dollar industry that sustains numerous livelihoods through its downstream operations, stands to benefit greatly from the government’s decision to revamp the sporting infrastructure.
The government’s proactive approach to addressing challenges within the sector is laudable and sets a positive precedent for the future of football in the country.
