Online Reporter
Sports Reporter
THE Warriors are keeping their fingers crossed that they will be able to host Rwanda and South Africa at home if renovation timelines for the National Sports Stadium are kept as promised.
Zimbabwe play their last home matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, against Rwanda and South Africa, in September and October respectively.
Their other two matches against Benin are away in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire and Lesotho in South Africa.
However, if everything goes to script or even better, as envisioned by Cabinet then the Warriors could finally make use of their favourite hunting ground, at least before their World Cup Group C campaign is over.
In his post-Cabinet media briefing yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere indicated that their plan was to ensure the Warriors will be able use the National Sports Stadium before year-end.
That would also be sweet news for Nigeria who have been crying foul that South Africa are playing too many ‘home’ games, because Zimbabwe and Lesotho have been using that country for their matches.
“And at the same time I want to assure you that, before year end, we believe that this stadium would have been completed in terms of the renovations that are taking place, including the bucket seats,’’ Dr Muswere said.
“We have highlighted that the gym facilities have been finalised. This is part of the National Sports Stadium capacitation in terms of equipment and also in terms of the refurbishment that has been taking place at the National Sports stadium.
“We have also highlighted that the installation is ongoing with block 19, 20 and 21 having been completed. This is progress that has been registered in terms of the Ministry of Sports.”
The development comes at a time when the Warriors have been at a disadvantage playing all matches, including home matches, in foreign land, particularly in South Africa.
This has also led to Nigeria complaining that group C leaders South Africa are playing too many matches in their backyard, giving them an unfair advantage.
Nigeria have since alerted FIFA to this situation, indicating that South Africa matches, against Zimbabwe and Lesotho, may need to be played elsewhere.
“This contravenes the principles of fair play by giving South Africa an unfair advantage in the race to qualify for the World Cup,” an NFF official was quoted as saying by Africa soccer.
South Africa currently lead Group C with 13 points from six matches and are in line for World Cup qualification.
Second-placed Rwanda and Benin have eight points each, while Nigeria are fourth with seven points.
Lesotho and Zimbabwe in fifth and sixth with six and four points, respectively complete the Group C standings.
