Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOOTBALL fans have welcomed the partial homologation of the National Sports Stadium, but urged authorities to complete the outstanding work and restore the venue to full domestic and international use.
The stadium was recently cleared to host selected matches following improvements to the facility, raising hopes that Scottland could use it for their CAF Champions League home fixtures.
Infrastructure problems and failure to meet international standards have forced the national team and clubs competing in CAF competitions to play elsewhere for years.
Richard Chemhofela Sande said the return of major football to the stadium would restore a sense of belonging among supporters.
“We are very happy to see the National Sports Stadium being homologated, even if it is only partially. This is our na-tional stadium, and we have missed watching big games here.
“It gives fans hope that, with more work, the stadium can eventually be fully homologated.”
Ogriva Ogege Jaure said staging major matches at the stadium would make it easier for Harare supporters to watch the national team.
“Fans want to watch the national team in action, and the National Sports Stadium has always been an important venue for us.
“We are encouraged by the progress and hope the remaining issues will also be addressed.”
Chris Romario Musekiwa said the partial clearance should mark the beginning, rather than the end, of the stadium’s rehabilitation.
“It is a good step forward, but we should not stop here. The partial homologation gives us something to celebrate, but it should also motivate the authorities to complete the outstanding work.”
