Zimbabwe will be able to host major international football matches at home after the National Sports Stadium secured CAF Category 3 approval following a recent technical inspection.
The approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) allows the Harare venue to host, subject to competition-specific requirements, CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches.
The stadium can also host Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as well as other competitions for which Category 3 facilities are applicable.
The development is a major boost for Zimbabwean football, which has faced challenges in hosting international matches at home because of the condition and compliance of the country’s main football stadium.
In a statement, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lt Gen (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe said CAF had recognised the efforts made by Government and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to address concerns raised during its inspection.
CAF, however, encouraged Zimbabwe to maintain the momentum and complete the remaining priority works at the stadium.
The approval follows a programme by Government to rehabilitate and modernise the National Sports Stadium and restore it as the country’s premier football venue.
The ministry said the interventions were in line with the National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, particularly the Government’s objective of developing modern, functional and sustainable sports infrastructure.
The stadium upgrade has also received support from Sakunda Holdings, which partnered Government in improving the facility.
According to the ministry, Sakunda supported the modernisation of the playing pitch and installation of bucket seats, improving the stadium’s functionality and spectator facilities.
The ministry also credited ZIFA for providing technical advice and working with Government to secure the international approval.
The Category 3 status gives Zimbabwean clubs and national teams greater scope to play important continental and international fixtures before home crowds.
It also provides a boost to efforts to restore the National Sports Stadium as a venue capable of hosting high-level football.
The ministry called on football supporters, the corporate sector, sporting fraternity and media to support the continued rehabilitation and protection of the country’s sporting facilities.
It also urged Zimbabweans to support the Warriors and local clubs as the country seeks to create an environment where international football can be hosted successfully on home soil.
Minister Sanyatwe said the approval reflected the Government’s efforts to ensure Zimbabweans can watch and participate in major international sporting events at home.
