Online Reporter
Curtworth Masango and Blessing Malinganiza
THE renovations being undertaken at the National Sports Stadium yesterday charmed members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
Zimbabwe’s biggest sporting facility has been closed for a number of years after being banished for use by the Confederation of African Football.
During the period of its closure, the stadium has been undergoing comprehensive renovations, which include the installation of a new playing turf, floodlights, electronic turnstiles, bucket seats, a fresh drainage system and modern dressing and medical rooms.
And in line with their oversight role on all Government institutions, the portfolio committee led by their chairman, Farai Jere, toured the venue after which they expressed profound satisfaction with the significant progress that has been made at the giant facility.
Jere and his legislators were first given a detailed brief of the work that has been undertaken before they undertook a two-and-a-half-hour physical tour of the stadium and were satisfied that the venue is now estimated to be 98 percent complete.
It is now expected that the remainder of the work will be completed inside the next eight weeks.
The pitch remains the biggest aspect that is still to be done, with a patch meant for testing already set.
“We are very happy. The last time we were here in July (last year), what we saw was unbelievable,” said Jere.
“The water reticulation system — all the pipes are now covered and at the testing stage. The toilets being installed are world-class.”
The legislators noted with joy the integration of advanced technology to enhance security.
“It’s futuristic. It’s AI-run. If anyone goes to the stadium intent on throwing a stone because they are angry with a result, they are going to be easily caught. It brings security to our people.”
Jere also paid tribute to President Mnangagwa, who directed that work be expedited to ensure that national teams return to hosting the games on home soil.
“His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa, showed that he was not happy that football was being played out of the country.
“He gave a directive, “I don’t want my people to watch football outside the country.’ This facility is now 98 percent complete.”
With the stadium on the verge of being re-opened, authorities are already envisioning a new era for local football, including the staging of high-profile night matches.
“Although it may look old from outside, the facility is being modernised to be very current and also speaks to the future.
“This is in line with the Vision 2030. You will also notice that a special bay has been set up for People living with Disability which speaks to the mantra leaving no one and no place behind,” added Jere.
“The floodlights are worth mentioning. With the weather favourable, a match can be played at any time. The new generator will provide back-up power, allowing us to play at night.”
Jere confirmed that only minor details remain.
“Two turnstiles are left to be installed, out of nine, seven are already complete.
“Tomorrow, if we are to play a match here, it would be easy for people to come in and a plan has also been made for easy evacuation which falls in line with the world standards of eight minutes.”
While acknowledging previous delays and failure to meet time-lines for completion, Jere hailed the renewed commitment to finish the renovations, which he revealed had also been a major priority for the Minister of Sport, Recreation Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe.
“The guarantee is what you have seen,” he said.
“This is no longer a talk show; this is reality. Is this what you saw in June last year?
“This is different. The talk of deadlines is a reality. You have seen the work that is left.”
He urged the public to acknowledge the tangible changes.
“Unless something serious happens, the eight-week mark is a reality.”
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi who was also invited to be part of the touring party said the stadium’s manor facelift will change the football landscape for good.
“Football in Zimbabwe will never be the same again. The infrastructure is in place.
This is going to put smiles on every footballer in Zimbabwe.
“We are grateful to His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) for making sure that what was promised is indeed coming to fruition.”
“I want to focus on the progress that we are making here, and I’m happy to say the progress is impressive. It will get us to a place where we can begin to watch our national teams playing football at home,’’ Magwizi said.
