Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE Mayor Jacob Mafume says he is pleased with progress at Mabvuku Number One Grounds, where the city partnered with Scottland to develop a modern sports arena.
The project will transform the facility into a Premier Soccer League-standard stadium and establish a broader sports village comprising a training ground, basketball and tennis courts.
Mafume said the development was part of the city’s drive to rehabilitate sporting infrastructure, create employment and steer young people away from drug abuse.
“We entered into a partnership to transform Mabvuku Number One Grounds into a Premier Soccer League and international-standard stadium,” Mafume said during a tour of the facility.
“Our vision is for every community in Harare to have a stadium of this standard, if not better.
“A city with a population of nearly three million people should have several Premier League-ready stadiums.”
The arena is expected to become Scottland’s home ground.
Mafume said the project had already created jobs for more than 230 residents.
“As we speak, 230 young people from the community, both men and women, have been employed,” he said.
“These are 230 people supporting their families, staying away from drugs and finding purpose through employment in their own community.”
The proposed sports village will also include a gym, shops, food outlets and, subject to planning, a swimming pool.
“We want a sports complex with a gym, food outlets and shops that will help grow the Mabvuku economy,” said Mafume.
He added that primary and secondary school grounds in Mabvuku and Tafara were also being rehabilitated under the partnership.
“As part of the agreement, the developer must also rehabilitate sports grounds at primary and secondary schools in Mabvuku and Tafara. That work is already Q.”
Mafume praised Scottland owner Scott Sakupwanya for supporting the project and said partnerships with the private sector could accelerate the restoration of Harare’s sporting facilities.
“This demonstrates what can be achieved when the city works with the private sector in sport, roads, housing, clinics and other areas of development,” he said.
“Our home-grown private sector can help move the nation forward and eventually export its expertise.”
Mafume also visited Scottland Medical and Maternity Centre near the stadium before finishing the tour at Scottland Village in Ruwa.
Scottland chief executive Musa Gwasira said the project was primarily designed to benefit Mabvuku residents.
“We are building the stadium for the community, together with a sports facility behind it where residents can also enjoy the facilities,” said Gwasira.
“Everything we are doing here is mainly for the Mabvuku community.”
He said Scottland was also supporting residents through water provision, ambulance services and a clinic offering free medical care.
“At the clinic, people receive services for free, from consultation with a doctor to prescriptions and medication,” Gwasira said.
“We are doing all those things for free. It is mainly about giving back to our community.”
Gwasira said Sakupwanya’s attachment to Mabvuku had inspired the investment.
“Honourable Scott Sakupwanya grew up in this community and believes he has a responsibility to give back,” he said.
“Many residents face challenges accessing medical treatment because they cannot afford consultations or medication.
“He has said he cannot stand by and watch people from the community in which he grew up suffer. He wants to give back.”
