BCC to give BF facelift

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has tabled an over $1,5 billion budget that will be directed to the renovation of the City of Kings and Queens ceremonial home of football, Barbourfields Stadium, Chronicle Sport can reveal.

According to the latest council minutes that were gleaned by this publication, the upgrading involves among other works, the closing of four corners.

The ugrading and closing of the first corner will cost $360 million while the renovation and closing of the second corner will cost $140 million.

The upgrading and closing of the third and fourth corner will cost $885 million and $160 million respectively.

The development is likely to see Barbourfields Stadium, which was built in the 1950s, increasing its carrying capacity.

BCC has said Barbourfields Stadium’s capacity is just under 23 000 football fans. The council’s corporate communications officer, Nesisa Mpofu told our sister paper Sunday News in May that the swimming pool end popularly known as Soweto’s capacity is 5 750 fans, Empakweni 6 470, Mpilo End 5 750, reserved side 1 688, VVIP side 233, VVIP Centre 104 and the wings can take 3 000 fans.

Recently addressing a Cowdray Park Star Rally that was attended by thousands of residents, President Mnangagwa drew large cheers when he announced that Barbourfields Stadium which is the third largest stadium in Zimbabwe will get a facelift.

He said the sprucing up of the stadium is one of the Government’s priority projects.

“We are refurbishing Barbourfields Stadium, the home of Highlanders FC who are doing very well this season with 17 games unbeaten in the league.

Amhlophe Highlanders iBosso yi Bosso. Congratulations Bosso,” said the President to deafening applause from the crowd.

Bosso have since gone for 18 league games without a defeat.

At the moment Barbourfields Stadium is the only homologated facility among all the stadiums that have played host to international events in the past.

The National Sports Stadium and Rufaro are both closed for renovations after they failed to meet international standards.

In 2020 President Mnangagwa facilitated the empowering of Highlanders when Government granted the club a gold mining claim in Inyathi so it could expand its revenue base.

The granting of the gold mining claim was a perfect gift for the club’s 95th anniversary. — @FungaiMuderere