NSS, White City tracks to be renovated

The National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe (NAAZ) has revealed that they have received assurances from the Government that the tartan tracks at the National Sports Stadium and White City will be repaired to meet international standards.

In their current state, the two tracks can host national championships and lower-tier international events. However, once the tracks are upgraded and approved by World Athletics, they could attract more prestigious international competitions and boost sports tourism.

Speaking last Friday at the launch of the NAAZ logo and its partnership with 5 Brands Consulting Group, association president Tendai Tagara confirmed the forthcoming upgrades to the two tracks.

“The renovations are expected to be completed in time for future international athletics competitions, boosting Zimbabwe’s chances of hosting major events,” said Tagara.

Both the National Sports Stadium and White City Stadium have been in poor condition, though the Bulawayo facility is in relatively better shape.

White City even boasts an electronic timer, which was restored last year after first being used during the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games in 2014.

NAAZ has expressed excitement over the Government’s commitment to supporting the refurbishment of both stadia.

“A fire accident recently destroyed materials stored in the B Arena at White City Stadium, further delaying the refurbishment process,” said a NAAZ official.

However, despite that setback, the Government has assured the athletics fraternity that the refurbishments will proceed as planned.

“It is everyone’s dream that White City Stadium should be completed and meet international standards,” Tagara said.

The Government’s commitment to the project is a welcome development for Zimbabwe’s sports sector, which has demonstrated its potential with outstanding performances in track, field, and road events over the past 15 years.

Last year, for the first time, Zimbabwe had two athletes qualify for the Olympic Games final. Tapiwanashe Makarawu finished in seventh place, while Makanakaishe Charamba, who set a new indoor record last weekend by improving Makarawu’s 20.29 seconds to a new 20.16, finished eighth.

Tagara expressed confidence that, with the involvement of 5 Brands, NAAZ’s rebranding and the outsourcing of marketing responsibilities to Ruth Ncube’s established brand profiling company would enable greater investment in junior development.

He said children would now be identified and trained at an early age, with age-group track and field championships playing a key role.

Tagara also stated that athletes would be given exposure at international competitions, with the goal of performing well at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Additionally, he disclosed that NAAZ aims to elevate the status of the national championships to a level where qualifiers for major global and continental events could be held in Zimbabwe, attracting foreign competitors to bid for places.

However, the most significant development is the Government’s commitment to refurbishing the two tracks in Bulawayo and Harare—setting the right foundation for the future of local athletics.