Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga-Herald Correspondent
CHAHWANDA Stadium in Kwekwe, is now set for a grand launch on February 28, pending final preparations being put to the magnificent facility in the Midlands town.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Nicholas Moyo, on Thursday toured the facility and confirmed it was ready for commissioning.
Moyo, who inspected the facility, said the stadium is 98 percent complete and ready for use.
If homologated by the Confederation of African Football, it will host inter-club competitions at least at preliminary round stage.
The venue can also fit the bill for some junior CAF competitions.
Built via a partnership between Shepherd Chahwanda and Walter Magaya, the stadium will also serve as Premiership newboys Hardrock’s home ground.
Kwekwe mining magnate Chahwanda owns Hardrock. Moyo praised private sector investment in sports infrastructure and urged community ownership.
CAF inspection is imminent, with potential fixtures involving Premiership champions Scottland and Chibuku Super Cup winners likely to play their continental assignments there should the National Sports Stadium not be available by the time the African Safari games start.
The stadium’s completion positions Kwekwe as an emerging football hub, with economic benefits expected from employment opportunities and the game’s growth in mining town and the Midlands province.
Moyo said plans were being finalised for an official opening of the facility.
“We are here because there will be a grand official opening of this facility. We want a proper launch and are working towards February 28 as requested by Prophet Magaya and Mr Chahwanda.
“Our teams are working to make sure everything is in place,” said Moyo.
He said even if the proposed date is not met, the opening could still take place after the stadium begins hosting league matches.
“Like ZITF, which is officially opened after a few days of activity, we can still have the official launch even after matches have started.
“I am confident with the level of completion.
“The stadium is ready for its first match on March 8. Officials from the ministry will meet with the Chahwanda Trust to map the way forward for the opening,” he said.
“My visit was to assess the stadium’s readiness as we prepare to invite CAF for inspection.
“The ministry has worked closely with Chahwanda throughout construction to ensure the facility meets CAF requirements.
“At 98 percent completion, we are ready to invite CAF, which will be a major milestone for this stadium,” Moyo said.
Online