A high-powered delegation including government ministers, football administrators and corporate leadership today toured the National Sports Stadium as refurbishment works continue to gather momentum ahead of the iconic venue's long-awaited return to international football.
Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Lt. General (Rtd) Anselem Sanyatwe, was joined by Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi, PSL Chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa and Sakunda Holdings Chief Operating Officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo on an inspection tour of the facility.
The visit underlines the seriousness with which both government and the private sector are approaching the restoration of Zimbabwe's most iconic football venue, which has been absent from the international football calendar for some time.
Sakunda Holdings is bankrolling several of the major upgrades, including the installation of new bucket seats, a significant improvement that will modernise the stadium's appearance and spectator experience to meet international standards required by football's world governing body FIFA.
The tour signals that the refurbishment project is well beyond the planning stage, with visible works already transforming the look and feel of the grand old stadium that has hosted some of Zimbabwe's most memorable footballing moments.
For Zimbabwean football supporters who have long yearned to see international fixtures return to the National Sports Stadium, today's high-profile inspection tour offers the most concrete sign yet that the wait is nearly over.
With government, ZIFA, the PSL and corporate Zimbabwe all pulling in the same direction, the stars appear finally aligned for the National Sports Stadium to reclaim its rightful place as the heartbeat of Zimbabwean football.
- FIFA slaps five year-ban on Ex-Zifa referees' boss
- Abused female refs take on Zhoya's accomplices
- Veteran football administrator Chishanga dies
- SRC welcomes Fifa decision on Zhoya
