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Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MEMBERS of the ZIFA First Instance Body (FIB) – the arm responsible for approving or disapproving match venues for Premiership games – came down to Mutare to inspect the state of Sakubva Stadium yesterday (Friday).
The inspection came after a grouping of football enthusiasts, led by women football administrator Cecilia Gambe, enlisted businessman Isau Mupfumi to help in the short term renovations of the turf.
The Mutare businessman duly financed renovation works acting upon the recommendations of the inspectors.
Mupfumi said: “I only came in by way of offering assistance to the football-loving community of Mutare after being approached by them. We all know people love football and as a leader I felt the need to assist.”
Contacted for comment on the outcome of their inspection ZIFA acting secretary general Xolisani Gwesela said: “No comment to make yet.”
Sakubva Stadium was banned from hosting Premiership matches since the onset of the 2023 Castle Lager Premiership season ostensibly owing to the state of the turf.
However, it remains to be seen whether the venue will go ahead and host top-flight league matches given that the custodians of the facility have made it clear that they want to undertake long term turf and drainage renovations that will start on July 1.
Ironically this is the same date set for the resumption of the PSL matches.
Online Reporter