ZIMBABWE’S long wait to host major international football matches at home is over after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted the National Sports Stadium Category 3 approval following extensive rehabilitation works at the Harare venue.
The development clears the country’s premier stadium to host senior international fixtures, including Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, ending a period in which the Warriors have been forced to play home matches outside the country.
The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture announced the breakthrough on Friday following a CAF technical inspection of the facility.
Under its Category 3 classification, the National Sports Stadium can also stage CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final fixtures, providing a major boost for Zimbabwean clubs competing on the continent.
The approval follows sustained rehabilitation work at the stadium, which had fallen short of international requirements and left the country without an approved venue for senior national team matches.
“This milestone is a direct reflection of the deliberate efforts by the Government to restore the National Sports Stadium to its rightful position as the country’s premier footballing venue,” the ministry said.
Government spearheaded the rehabilitation programme with technical support from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA), while Sakunda Holdings provided financial support towards some of the major improvements.
Among the upgrades were rehabilitation of the playing surface and installation of bucket seats, while other works were undertaken to improve the functionality and overall match-day experience at the facility.
The development represents a significant breakthrough for the Warriors, who have surrendered home advantage in recent years by staging designated home fixtures in countries including South Africa, Rwanda and Malawi.
Playing at home is also expected to reduce the financial and logistical burden associated with taking national teams and officials outside Zimbabwe for international fixtures.
Local supporters will now have an opportunity to watch the Warriors in competitive international matches without travelling outside the country.
CAF, however, has urged authorities to maintain the momentum and complete outstanding priority works to ensure the stadium continues meeting the required standards.
The Category 3 approval also provides relief to local clubs involved in CAF inter-club competitions, which have similarly faced the prospect of taking high-profile continental fixtures outside the country whenever suitable venues were unavailable.
The ministry has challenged football stakeholders and supporters to safeguard the rehabilitated infrastructure as international football prepares to return to the venue.
“Let us fill our stadiums, support our Warriors and our clubs, protect and take pride in our sporting infrastructure,” the ministry said.
“Together we can create an environment where international football thrives in Zimbabwe.”
