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Bruce Chikuni-Sports Reporter
The Government has hailed the duo of Prophet Walter Magaya and his partner Shepherd Chahwanda for embarking on the construction of Kwekwe’s Chahwanda Stadium, which will bring a fresh impetus to sporting infrastructure in the city.
In a legacy move that is expected to add a new dimension to the outlook of the Midlands city, Magaya and Chahwanda have reportedly sunk an initial US$10 million into the project.
The official ground-breaking ceremony yesterday was presided over by the Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube.
A significant number of Kwekwe residents were also at the site of the proposed state-of-the-art stadium which is set to be a 10 000-seater venue.
Kwekwe residents are also expected to provide the bulk of the construction manpower.
The stadium, which is also called the Heart Main Arena is on schedule to be completed by mid-January, and ready to welcome top-flight and international football in the 2025 season.
It is being built using expert guidelines from the Confederation of African Football on the kind of facility and turf which the continental body approves of.
“I am filled with great pride and immense joy as I address you on yet another auspicious occasion for the community of Kwekwe and the entire Midlands Province as we gather for the Chahwanda Stadium also known as the Heart Area.
“This epic event marks the official start of construction works at this state-of-the-art US$10 million stadium that aligns with the Confederation of African Football standards.
“The stadium, funded by Chahwanda, Magaya and other indigenous partners who attests to the Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangawa’s mantra of Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa igonamatirwa nevene vayo.
“I applaud Chahwanda, Magaya and their partners for transforming ideas into products and services and illustrating immense ambition, hope, hard work,” said Ncube.
This venue will also have a B Arena, ZIFA Provincial and regional offices, clinic, restaurant and gym.
Magaya said decentralising football is what cheers him up.
“This venue is going to help and inspire a lot of children to become footballers.
“Such facilities are key in changing the face of football even at community level.
“There has to be something that drives people to watch football, and such environment will leave children dreaming to become better.
“I’m happy that people sacrificed their time to grace this occasion, and I want to thank Chahwanda for his passion to change the livelihoods of people in his community through football,” said Magaya.
Online Reporter