Online Reporter
Africa Moyo, Deputy National Editor
Acting President Dr Kembo Mohadi has reassured the soccer-loving people that from mid-next year, the National Sports Stadium would be ready to host international matches after Cabinet approved its upgrade and set strict timelines that will be followed.
The remarks come as the Warriors are in Morocco for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, where they lost 2-1 to Egypt on Monday night, with legend Mo Salah scoring the winner in added time.
Tomorrow, the Warriors take on Angola in a match they should win to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the next stage.
In an interview on Tuesday, he said Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has set aside financial resources for the project through the 2026 National Budget.
After being informed that Warriors supporters were not happy with watching their beloved team on television or in other countries where “home matches” were played, the Acting President reassured the nation that timelines for the upgrade have been set.
“Your question sounds as if you and your other Cdes are the only ones who support the Warriors,” he said.
“We, in Government, are also top supporters of the Warriors, and we always follow their matches with keen interest.
“Turning to the specifics of your question, I will say the Government is committed to ensuring that the upgrade of the National Sports Stadium is completed on schedule.”
Acting President Mohadi said Prof Ncube “set aside resources” for the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture to fund key projects, including works at the National Sports Stadium.
“This will ensure resources are available to minimise delays related to financial constraints. The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is working closely with Caf inspectors to ensure compliance. “While meeting deadlines is crucial, the focus will also be on ensuring that the upgrades meet international standards, providing a top-notch facility for the Warriors and other track and field sports.
“Clear milestones have been set, with regular assessments to track progress and ensure that the project is on track for completion by mid-next year,” said Acting President Mohadi.
Regular updates will also be provided to the public, he said, ensuring transparency and keeping the nation informed about the progress being made.
He conceded that playing “home matches” abroad is a “costly practice”, but more importantly, the Government wants to restore Zimbabwe’s ability to host international football and ensure the Warriors “can play at home again”.
Beyond the National Sports Stadium, Prof Ncube also announced a new set of tax incentives in the 2026 Budget designed to motivate companies to construct or upgrade sports facilities.
Acting President Mohadi said Government hopes that more sports facilities will undergo a facelift.
“We should also acknowledge and appreciate efforts by the Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture in constructing multi-purpose sports facilities centres, which support other disciplines such as tennis, basketball, volleyball and netball.
“This will open sports to many individuals. When I was still in Sport in 1995, we went out of our way to ensure there was adequate infrastructure, including the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza, which I am now told has been run down.
“So, we need more multi-purpose sports centres for our young people to use and keep them away from drugs. I am not saying this is the solution, but sports will go a long way in reducing this menace of drug and substance abuse,” he said.
Londile Moyo
Bongani Ndlovu