Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe national football team has received a significant boost ahead of the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers following the homologation of the National Sports Stadium by the Confederation of African Football to host international matches again.
A statement from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture confirmed that the stadium will reopen its doors to international football following the latest inspection.
“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is pleased to announce that the Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium has been granted Confederation of African Football (CAF) Category 3 approval following a recent technical inspection and significant progress on priority works at the stadium.
“The approval allows the National Sports Stadium, subject to the specific requirements of each competition, to 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 applicable to Category 3 stadia,” the statement said.
The National Sports Stadium was flagged by CAF in 2021 after failing to meet the minimum requirements for hosting international matches.
As a result, the Zimbabwe national football team and local clubs participating in CAF competitions were forced to play their home matches at alternative venues outside the country.
The Government responded by allocating resources for renovations to the stadium.
“CAF has acknowledged the considerable efforts made by the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Football Association in addressing the observations raised during the inspection.
“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 football venue,” the statement said.
Zimbabwe are expected to host the Democratic Republic of Congo in a 2028 AFCON qualifier next month.
