Rufaro stadium expected to pass compliance test.  Rufaro Stadium has been renovated after being closed since 2019 and is expected to pass the compliance tests by the ZIFA First Instance Board ahead of the commencement of the 2024 Premier Soccer League season. The much-needed renovations addressed faulty water reticulation, the erection of aluminium goalposts, standard changing rooms and the redoing of the playing turf. The VIP car park has been built, while electronic turnstiles are expected to be erected in the coming days.

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Statement from the mayor

The City of Harare used just under US$1 million to refurbish the stadium after using their own employees and in-house expertise to keep costs low. Harare City Mayor Jacob Mafume said the first phase of upgrading work at the stadium cost almost US$1 million. The council will now undertake the final touch-ups to ready the stadium for the 2024 season. The stadium was scheduled to be officially opened with a Harare derby fixture, but the fixture was shelved after Dynamos expressed reservations about playing at a stadium that had not been certified fit by relevant authorities.

The assumption is that the ground will pass the ZIFA inspection and will be allowed to stage PSL games. If the stadium is given approval, the Mayor’s Challenge Cup will be the stadium’s opening match. CAF previously condemned the stadium for international games after saying the playing pitch needs to be re-constructed; it’s therefore out of contention to host any international matches this year.

The City of Harare will embark on phase two of the redevelopment work at the stadium at the end the coming season to install bucket seats and floodlights amongst other improvements. The City of Harare is also hoping to spruce up Gwanzura Stadium to host football and rugby matches once Rufaro Stadium is approved.

-Afrogazette-