Mugove Chigada
Zimpapers Sports Hub
The Zimbabwe Football Association on Saturday confirmed that the Confederation of African Football have given them the green light to open the National Sports Stadium for fans for the coming two international games involving the Mighty Warriors and Scottland.
The developments come after indications that CAF had earlier imposed a provisional ban on fans at the National Sports Stadium after the death of a fan during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and DR Congo recently.
Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi highlighted this week that he was set to engage CAF leadership on the issue on the sidelines of the organisation’s strategy meeting in Cape Verde.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) informs supporters and all stakeholders that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted exceptional, strictly conditional authorisation to admit a maximum of 10,000 spectators per match at the National Sports Stadium for the following fixtures: Zimbabwe vs Malawi: Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Qualifiers, 13 October 2026. Scottland FC vs Atlético Petróleos de Luanda: CAF Champions League, provisionally scheduled for 17 October 2026, subject to confirmation of the official fixture date,” ZIFA said in a statement.
“ZIFA reiterates its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the supporter who tragically lost their life. The safety of spectators, players, officials and all match personnel remains our foremost priority.
“Going forward Stadium gates will open five hours before kick-off. Supporters are strongly encouraged to arrive early to allow adequate time for security screening, orderly entry and seating.
“Admission will be strictly controlled, attendance will not exceed the authorised limit, and spectators will occupy only designated, approved areas. Ticketing, entry and parking arrangements will be announced separately ahead of the matches.
“ZIFA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism, forced entry and any behaviour that threatens public safety. Offenders will be refused entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending matches, as appropriate. Supporters must comply with instructions from police, stewards and match officials, keep access routes and emergency exits clear, and promptly report unsafe behaviour.”
Zifa said they will ensure that all the guidelines are followed.
“Enhanced measures will cover crowd management, access control, security deployment, medical services and emergency response. A CAF Safety and Security Officer will monitor and assess their implementation.
“Failure to meet CAF’s conditions may result in further restrictions or withdrawal of the authorisation. ZIFA sincerely thanks the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, for the formal guarantees provided to CAF, its continued commitment to the development of sport, and its support for safer sporting facilities. We also acknowledge the cooperation and dedication of the security services, medical teams, emergency responders and stadium authorities.”
