The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is reportedly considering the construction of a new stadium in the tourism town of Victoria Falls.
This publication understands that Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi visited the city on Tuesday and held a meeting with the council leadership to discuss the way forward regarding the construction of a state-of-the-art football stadium.
Zimbabwe is said to be preparing a joint bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with neighbours South Africa and Botswana.
A Facebook post by the City of Victoria Falls revealed details of the visit.
“Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi on Tuesday led a delegation to Victoria Falls to scout for land for the construction of a state-of-the-art soccer stadium as the country solidifies its bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2028,” the report said.
“Accompanied by Zifa general secretary Norman Gwangwadza, the football body’s delegation met the City of Victoria Falls management led by town clerk Ronnie Dube and several councillors, including Zifa Southern Region vice-president Cllr Tafadzwa Mutowa, putting the tourism city in the spotlight for sports tourism and infrastructure development.
“After a brief meeting, the delegation toured several pieces of land in Mkhosana and areas near the Gorges.
“Zimbabwe was among the southern African nations that expressed early interest in participating in a regional bid for the 2028 Afcon.
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“The Caf executive committee is expected to decide on the 2028 host following the submission of bids by countries.
@Victoria Falls is strategically located to host world-class sporting activities, hence the need for appropriate facilities.
“Currently, the city has the Division One-classified Chinotimba Stadium, and the construction of a modern state-of-the-art stadium would raise the city’s profile, with the potential to attract clubs and activities not only for competitions, but also for camping and off-season sessions.
“With Caf and Fifa involved, plans are to construct a modern stadium with B Arena and C Arena. Zifa is therefore looking for space to build a stadium, with Victoria Falls emerging as one of the potential host cities.
“The city is also looking to public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure development in line with the Government’s thrust for partnerships with the private sector.”
At the moment Zimbabwe does not have a Caf certified stadium, forcing national teams and teams involved in continental competitions to play their home fixtures in neighbouring countries.
