Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere [email protected]
ZIMBABWEAN football has every reason to celebrate after the National Sports Stadium was granted CAF Category Three approval, bringing to an end a long wait for the Warriors to once again play international football on home soil.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) on Friday welcomed the development as a “significant milestone” that brings international football back home.
In a celebratory statement, Zifa said: “International football is coming home.”
The association also expressed its gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Government of Zimbabwe for their commitment towards the rehabilitation of the stadium.
Zifa said the achievement was the result of a national effort, acknowledging the contribution of the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Lt Gen (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Sanyatwe,
Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo, the Sports and Recreation Commission, sponsors and partners.
The football body also thanked CAF and FIFA for their technical guidance and support throughout the approval process.
Zifa said restoring an approved international football venue was one of the key priorities set by its Executive Committee at the beginning of its tenure.
“This approval is therefore an important step in delivering on that commitment, while recognising that work must continue to maintain and further improve the facility,” said Zifa in a statement.
The approval is a major relief for Zimbabwean football supporters who have endured years of watching the Warriors play their “home” matches away from the country.
Zifa acknowledged that frustration, saying: “For too long, they have had to watch the Warriors play their ‘home’ matches away from home.”
Now, the association says, Zimbabweans can look forward to returning to the National Sports Stadium for the country’s next home international assignment.
For the Warriors and their passionate supporters, the long wait is finally over , home is home again.
-@FungaiMuderere
Blessing Chizhande