Hope Restored: Zim’s Iconic Stadium Set for Long-Awaited Return

By Loyd Matare

After years of waiting, Zimbabweans may finally be weeks away from watching international football on home soil, as the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport yesterday revealed that the refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium is now “98% complete,” with the pitch expected to be ready in two months, provided all timelines are met.

This follows years of uncertainty after CAF condemned the stadium in 2021 for failing to meet international standards a move that pushed government to commit to an exhaustive upgrade of the country’s flagship venue.

Committee chairman Farai Jere said what the committee witnessed on the ground leaves no room for doubt.

“My brother, the guarantee is what you have seen,” Jere said during the tour.

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“This is not a long-night talk show. This is reality. You saw the dressing rooms, the tents, the floodlights.

Last year there were open walls and water everywhere but did you see that today?”

Jere insisted the eight-week deadline is achievable.

“The stadium is indeed 98% complete. The only major item left is the pitch. Every corner is a hive of activity.

“Unless something serious happens, the eight-week mark is going to be reached.”

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi praised the progress and parliamentary support.

“The amount of work that has gone in is commendable,” he said.

“We are grateful to His Excellency for ensuring that what was promised is coming to fruition.

“Within the next eight weeks, we should be able to come back here and possibly start playing our matches. That will put smiles on every football-loving Zimbabwean.”