National Sports Stadium gets CAF Category 3 nod

ZIMBABWEAN football has been handed a major boost after the National Sports Stadium was granted CAF Category 3 approval, paving the way for the country to host a wide range of high-profile international matches on home soil.

The development is a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, which has endured a long wait to regain the use of its premier football venue for major international assignments.

The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture announced that the stadium had received the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approval following a recent technical inspection and significant progress on priority rehabilitation works.

The Category 3 status means the National Sports Stadium can, subject to the specific requirements of each competition, host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches, as well as Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Fifa World Cup qualifiers and other competitions falling under the category.

For Zimbabwean football fans, the announcement brings renewed hope of watching the Warriors and the country’s top clubs entertain international opposition at home rather than having to play crucial matches at foreign venues.

CAF also acknowledged the considerable efforts made by the Government and the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) in addressing observations raised during its inspection.

The ministry described the achievement as a direct reflection of concerted efforts to restore the National Sports Stadium to its rightful position as Zimbabwe’s premier football venue.

“This milestone is a direct reflection of the concerted and deliberate efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, to restore the National

Sports Stadium to its rightful position as the country’s premier footballing venue,” the Ministry of Sports, Recreation and Arts said on Friday.

The development is also being celebrated as a product of collaboration between Government, ZIFA, technical experts and the private sector.

Particular appreciation was extended to Sakunda Holdings, whose partnership with Government has played a significant role in the modernisation of the stadium, including the upgrading of the playing pitch and installation of bucket seats.

The ministry said the interventions had substantially enhanced the stadium’s functionality, aesthetics and overall spectator experience.

The Government also hailed Zifa for providing technical advice and cooperation in securing the international approval, while CAF encouraged Zimbabwe to maintain the positive momentum and complete the remaining priority works.

The Category 3 approval could not have come at a more important time for Zimbabwean football, with the country seeking to strengthen its football infrastructure and restore the Warriors’ ability to play competitive international football in front of their home supporters.

The ministry urged Zimbabweans, football supporters, the corporate sector, sporting fraternity and the media to rally behind the development.

“Let us fill our stadiums, support our Warriors and our clubs, protect and take pride in our sporting infrastructure, and collectively contribute to creating an environment in which international football can thrive in Zimbabwe,” the Ministry said.

The latest development represents more than just a stadium upgrade , it is a symbolic return of international football to Zimbabwean soil, with the National Sports Stadium once again positioned to welcome the continent’s biggest football occasions.

-@FungaiMuderere