The reopening of Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium moved a step closer yesterday after Sakunda Holdings officially handed over completed seating and pitch reh...
The reopening of Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium moved a step closer yesterday after Sakunda Holdings officially handed over completed seating and pitch rehabilitation works to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture during a tour of the facility in Harare.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe led the inspection of the stadium alongside Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, Zimbabwe Football Association president Nqobile Magwizi, Premier Soccer League Zimbabwe chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa and Sakunda Holdings chief operations officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo.
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The visit marked the formal handover of newly installed bucket seats and upgraded all-weather turf financed by Sakunda Holdings under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement with government.
The National Sports Stadium has remained closed since the end of 2021 after the Confederation of African Football condemned the facility for failing to meet international standards required to host continental matches. The closure forced Zimbabwean national football teams to play home matches outside the country.
Authorities now expect the stadium to reopen by the end of this month following extensive refurbishment works aimed at restoring the facility to CAF standards. Stakeholders who toured the stadium yesterday assessed the progress made and reviewed the stadium’s preparedness ahead of the anticipated return of international football.
A total of 44,000 bucket seats have been installed as part of the ongoing modernisation programme. The seating installation forms part of wider infrastructure upgrades designed to improve safety, comfort and compliance with international football regulations.
Among the major upgrades financed by Sakunda Holdings are the installation of new seating and rehabilitation works carried out on the stadium pitch. The turf upgrade is expected to improve playing conditions and help the stadium meet CAF requirements for international matches.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Sanyatwe commended Sakunda Holdings and contractors involved in the refurbishment project for the progress achieved at the stadium. Government officials described the renovations as part of broader efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s sports infrastructure.
“These renovations reflect the Government’s commitment to modernising sports infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 and to creating world-class facilities for athletes and sports fans alike,” the ministry said in a statement during the ceremony.
The inspection tour also brought together football administrators and stakeholders who have been monitoring the rehabilitation process since work began. Officials expressed optimism that the completion of the current phase of renovations would pave the way for CAF approval and the return of international football matches to Zimbabwe.
The National Sports Stadium remains one of Zimbabwe’s most important sporting facilities and has historically hosted major football matches, athletics events and national celebrations. Its closure over the past several years affected local football, particularly national teams and clubs that were forced to seek alternative venues outside the country.
The expected reopening of the stadium is seen as an important development for Zimbabwean football and local sports development. Once cleared for use, the facility is expected to allow the national team and domestic clubs to host international fixtures at home again, while also improving the experience for local supporters attending matches.
