adminBlessing Malinganiza
HARARE Mayor, Jacob Mafume, claims Rufaro will be ready to host the first edition of the Harare Derby this season.
Dynamos and CAPS United, the capital’s two biggest football clubs, are set to play in Week Seven of the Castle Premier League campaign.
Rufaro is still being refurbished after it was deemed unfit to host both local and international matches.
“We are working around the clock to ensure that the ground will be ready to host matches this season.
“We know at the moment that the league will be kicking off next week, might not be feasible for it to be ready to host games, but what we are now working on is to ensure that the ground will be ready to host the Harare Derby between Dynamos and CAPS United.
“We have already done the samples of the bucket seats and we have already started the procurement processes and by the time we open it for games at least, three stands will have the buckets seats.”
He added: “The turf will be ready very soon, three quarters of the pitch has been levelled and the irrigation equipment has already been bought and has been installed.
“So, once we do the massive watering on the pitch, we are positive that the Harare Derby will be played in Rufaro.”
Rufaro is the spiritual home of football in the capital.
Giants Dynamos have always called it home and believe they will attract more fans if they use Rufaro instead of the National Sports Stadium.
Analysts agree that Rufaro has an advantage in that it is more central, and easily accessible, compared to the giant stadium.
Last season, the low attendance figures at domestic Premiership matches was a huge talking point.
Online Reporter