BCC ready to fix Luveve Stadium

BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) says it has not yet received official communication outlining the required upgrades at Luveve Stadium, but has pledged to address areas within its mandate once formally notified.

The stadium was recently declared not fit to host Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches after failing to meet standards set by the Zimbabwe First Instance Body (FIB), forcing Highlanders FC, Bulawayo Chiefs FC and Chicken Inn FC to use Barbourfields Stadium, which is the city’s only approved venue.

BCC Director of Housing and Community Services, Dicta Khumalo says council is yet to receive official communication on the shortcomings, which need to be addressed.

“We have not yet received an official letter detailing the areas that need to be worked on.
“Once we receive that communication, we will look at the issues raised and work on areas that fall within our scope so that top-flight football can return to Luveve,” said Khumalo.

While a copy of the FIB findings gleaned by Zimpapers Sports Hub lists deficiencies including perimeter security, pitch drainage, dressing room standards, emergency exits, access control systems and media facilities, council maintains it needs formal guidance clearly outlining, which aspects fall under its jurisdiction and the standards required.

Without that official breakdown, BCC says it cannot fully assess the scale of work, associated costs or timelines, particularly where upgrades may involve structural re-designs or installations that go beyond routine maintenance.

Council’s stance signals willingness to collaborate in restoring the facility’s status, but also highlights procedural gaps that must be resolved before work can start.

In the meantime, the burden shifts to Barbourfields, which now faces increased usage with three PSL clubs sharing the venue, a scenario that raises concerns over fixture congestion and pitch preservation as the season gathers momentum.

But the facility is not new to matches on both Saturday and Sunday.