Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
HARARE Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume says council will refer an expression of interest to renovate and lease Dzivarasekwa Stadium by Herentals Football Club to the relevant committee.
Chairing the 1935th Ordinary Council meeting this afternoon at Townhouse, Cllr Mafume said the sports committee and relevant committees should quickly accede to this request.
“Those who attended May Day celebrations will attest that the stadium is in a state of disrepair,” he said.
“It is not where it ought to be and Herentals would be a fitting partner. Of course we will protect other users and council but these are the teams that are investing in soccer.
“We are willing to partner with teams, companies that wish to work on our stadiums. Once the person develops the stadiums, the development remains there. So people must disabuse themselves of the notion that we are giving them away, we are working with our residents to develop our facilities so that they are usable.
“This is what cities the world over do, they partner with the team that wants to use their facilities so that these become usable and fit for purpose and make memorable sittings for residents.”
Cllr Mafume said he attended the soccer match between Dynamos and Scottland at Rufaro Stadium on Sunday and the mood was vibrant.
“And you can see the vibe that Rufaro stadium has brought back to the soccer scene; the happy faces, the pictures, the Tik Toks.
“So we are happy with the work that we did. Yes, we will improve it a little bit more.”
Cllr Mafume said the city is also going to work on Gwanzura stadium.
“But as things stand, we got the work tied down and we are quite happy. So we will refer that to the relevant committee so that it sits and they can resume work as soon as possible,” he said.
