IS RUFARO ON THE BRINK OF BEING SUSPENDED?

Curtworth Masango

RUFARO could be suspended from hosting the Castle Lager Premiership matches amid pressure from players and their representatives that they now risk serious injuries from playing on the stadium’s battered surface.

Reports last night said the Footballers union of Zimbabwe have written to the game’s domestic chiefs to say they are concerned about the risks of players getting injured on Rufaro’s pitch.

The pitch at the iconic venue, which is home to four PSL clubs − Dynamos, CAPS United, Herentals and Scottland − has deteriorated badly in recent months.

Rufaro’s playing surface has succumbed to relentless overuse. The pitch has become bumpy.

ZIFA First Instance Board chairman, Sharif Mussa, said they haven’t reviewed the fitness of Rufaro to host top-flight league matches.

“On banning the stadium, I can’t say anything but we have been in talks as ZIFA and the PSL. “But we are looking for an amicable position that will be good for the game of football and benefits everyone.

“There have been no further decisions made yet but there is fear that big damages might come out on that ground if things don’t change for the better,” said Mussa.

The Harare City Council, who own the stadium, said the stadium was still in good shape to host PSL matches.

He said renovations were on track.

“The pitch is okay, there will be also an international break coming soon and it will give it ample time to be in its best shape.

“There is no crisis as claimed.

“Recently we had PSL and ZIFA and they were actual happy to see the progress we have been making,” said Gama.

The stadium’s challenges come from a brutal schedule where it hosts, at least, three matches in one weekend.