Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
“HELLO, the good people of Chipinge! It is pleasing to note that Gaza Stadium is being prepared to host the 2026 Manicaland Provincial Independence celebrations on April 18, 2026.
“But do you know the history of that stadium? Interesting!
“Well, in 1973, when Gaza was still a township under Chipinga (Chipinge) Rural Council, there was a township board running its day-to-day activities. Soccer teams used Gaza Government School ground as their home ground,” said the then board secretary, Mr James Gabaza.
The board, which asked the local authority to build the stadium for the locals, then comprised of Mr Noah P Dhliwayo (chairman), deputised by Mr Ellisha Matanga, with Mr Gabaza as the secretary.
Other Board members included Mr Isaac Mlilo, Mr Msesengwe and one Mr Makuyana.
“They got the present site, which was a vacant grassland up to the wattles. For a plan, they were driven in a Peugeot 404 pick-up by the vice council secretary, Mr John Redford, to Chipadze Township in Bindura, where they copied their stadium, community hall and swimming pool.
“Since there was no photocopying at the time, the secretary had to trace the plans using carbon paper and finish with a ball pen, and then brought them to Chipinge for construction. Those were the good old days,” wrote Mr Gabaza, in a memoir posted recently in one of the social media groups, whose membership comprises people with a connection to the south-eastern farming town of Chipinge.
This is the history of the construction of the football match venue that nurtured generations of football talent and birthed stars, who went on to showcase their talents on a much bigger platform.
For contemporary generations of football followers, names such as Eddie ‘Man’ozho’ Dube, Lovemore ‘Thula’ Mapuya, Ngorima brothers, Jacob and the late Aaron, among many others, quickly come to mind.
Sadly, the facility has been lying in utter neglect in recent years, resembling a deserted fortress.
The lush green lawn has been replaced by sunbaked sandy and bare red soil. The changing rooms now bear resemblance of a haunted and deserted home.
Cry, my beloved Gaza Stadium!
In the midst of all this desolation, a flicker of hope is flashing on the horizon, garbed in the national devolution agenda – wherein important national events are no longer a preserve of one city or venue – all in the spirit of leaving no place and no person behind.
As the country moves towards the commemoration of its Independence Day on April 18, Chipinge will play host to the provincial commemorations in Manicaland.
Early indications, subject to final confirmation, are that the event will be held at the ceremonial home of football – Gaza Stadium.
Although Chipinge Town Council has started making piecemeal renovations to the facility, with the extension of the palisade fencing structure, replanting of the lawn and extension of the match venue, starting with removal of the terrace on the Mutipfa Farm-end, the hosting of Independence Day celebrations is expected to spur speedy and more comprehensive renovations to the facility.
The upgrades are anticipated to include improvements to the changing rooms, installation of modern sports equipment, and enhancement of spectator facilities, restoring Gaza Stadium to its former glory, in line with the stadium’s significance as a hub for sports and social activities.
With the provincial celebrations approaching, stakeholders are optimistic that the revitalisation of Gaza Stadium will mark a new chapter in Chipinge’s sporting history, fostering talent and community engagement.
Chipinge Town Council public relations officer, Mr Fungayi Mutapati concurred that the hosting of Independence Day celebrations is expected to spur speedy and more comprehensive renovations to the once revered facility.
“The plan to hold the provincial Independence Day celebrations came at a time when council had already started work to improve the facility. Council, in its 2026 budget, introduced a sporting levy to improve all its sporting facilities,” he said.
From a broader perspective, Manicaland, as a province, is no stranger to the tangible benefits of the Second Republic’s devolution agenda.
Murambinda, for example, had its infrastructure, including a football match venue, spruced up when the area hosted the national Independence Day commemorations in 2024.
The provincial capital, Mutare, also had some of its sporting and road infrastructure revamped when the city hosted the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo edition last year, which was preceded by the ruling ZANU PF National People’s Conference in October.
Apart from numerous health, education and sporting facilities that were developed due to proceeds directly from the devolution programme, the hosting of national and provincial functions has left a trail of tangible development projects.
These projects have, not only improved the infrastructure, but also created employment opportunities and stimulated local economic growth.
The increased visibility and investment in the province have also enhanced the quality of life for residents, providing them with access to better services and social amenities.
As a result, communities are becoming more vibrant and attractive, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among locals, which is crucial for sustainable development.
This sense of ownership is encouraging community members to take an active role in maintaining and protecting their newly improved facilities, ensuring their longevity and continued relevance.
Additionally, the improved infrastructure is also attracting investors and tourists, creating new business opportunities and further boosting the local economy.
With this momentum, residents are optimistic about the future, envisioning a prosperous and thriving Manicaland where development is inclusive and benefits all.
