dyton mupawaenda
Arron Nyamayaro
YADAH FC founder Prophet Walter Magaya believes he is putting together a modern football venue that meets CAF minimum requirements and should be able to host national age-group teams, the Mighty Warriors and even rival clubs on continental assignments.
He has set November 5 as the day the Heart Stadium will be officially unveiled and workers have been working round the clock to ensure everything is in place for Sunday’s event.
Already, Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry and Tourism minister Barbra Rwodzi have visited the venue to observe the work in progress together with officials from the Sports Commission. The completion of the first phase of the stadium comes at a time Zimbabwe are being forced to host the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Kigali, Rwanda for the 2026 Fifa World Cup due to lack of a CAF approved venue.
Work at the National Sports Stadium, Barbourfields, Rufaro and Gwanzura have not been up to the required standards although efforts are being made to ensure that at least the government run NSS is certified when Zimbabwe have their next home fixture.
The Heart Stadium is obviously not an option for the Warriors but Prophet Magaya believes the venue will be ideal for international matches involving the Mighty Warriors and all age-group teams as Zimbabwe returns to the world arena following a Fifa ban.
This is despite having built the stadium in the shortest possible period without any financial assistance from individuals, corporates or even a bank loan.
He says it is a gift to the nation as he celebrates his 40th birthday.
In an interview with Zimpapers Sport, Prophet Magaya said the official opening of The Heart Stadium will be done some hours before his birthday.
“I was born 40 years ago on November 6 and this stadium is my gift to the nation. It has become my tradition that I donate something big whenever celebrating my birthday.
“Hosting Warriors, Mighty Warriors and other teams at Yadah Hotel were part of the donations in previous years.
“My thirst to see our sport succeeding will only be quenched when Zimbabwean grounds hosts international matches at all our provinces.
“Yes, if I can do this alone that means Zimbabwe has the potential to change the face of our stadiums throughout the country.
“It is my wish for every business person to take His Excellency’s call to build our nation brick by brick.
“Let us all have the spirit of building our nation in every province and as for sport I feel rejuvenated, have the zeal to see it in good shape to host international games,” he said.
Prophet Magaya said he was challenged by one of his church ministry followers, a Rwandan for pronouncing a blessing to him when his nation is failing to have better soccer grounds.
“I felt challenged when one of my sons in Rwanda questioned me about our poor stadiums.
“Surely our nation has the potential to grow faster and bigger if we unite and stop fighting or pulling each other down.”
Online Reporter