The National Sports Stadium is set to reopen next year after the government has invested millions in renovations. The stadium has been closed for several months, and this funding aims to bring it back to use.
In addition, Zimbabwe’s senior men’s national football team, known as the Warriors, received a big boost from the government. They have been given US$1 million to prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, which will be held in Morocco in December 2025.
The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture received a total of ZiG888.40 million, about US$24.7 million. During the 2025 National Budget presentation at the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube emphasized the need to improve sports facilities.
He said, “Sports, arts, and culture sectors contribute significantly to employment creation, as well as help mitigate drug and substance abuse, while also serving as catalysts for economic growth.”
Ncube added, “To support these sectors, ZiG888.4 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture. This allocation is meant to facilitate countrywide identification and development of talent in sport, arts, and culture among the youth, as well as the rehabilitation of national sports stadia and other recreation facilities across all provinces.” Specifically, ZiG189 million is set aside to finish the renovations of the National Sports Stadium.
Today, the stadium will unveil its new bucket seats. Meanwhile, the Warriors are preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and will host Benin on March 17, 2025, likely still playing away from home since the stadium may not be ready in time.
-Herald
