Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE countdown for the reopening of the National Sports Stadium took another step as Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Anselem Sanyatwe yesterday toured the facility to mark the official handover of the installed bucket seats and all-weather turf by Sakunda Holdings under the Public-Private Partnership arrangement.
Sanyatwe, who was flanked by his Deputy Minister Emily Jesaya, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi and PSL Chairman Isaiah Mupfurutsa and Sakunda Holdings chief operations officer Mberikwazvo Chitambo, inspected the facility as refurbishment works continue ahead of the resumption of international football activity at the venue.
The National Sports Stadium, which has been closed since the end of 2021 after it was condemned by CAF, is expected to be back in use by end of this month after extensive refurbishments.
The visit marked the official handover by Sakunda Holdings of the bucket seats installation and pitch rehabilitation project to the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
A total of 44 000 bucket seats have been installed as part of ongoing efforts to restore the stadium to international standards.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Minister Sanyatwe expressed gratitude for the outstanding work carried out by Sakunda Holdings and commended all contractors involved in the rehabilitation programme.
“These renovations reflect the Government’s commitment to modernising sports infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 and to creating world-class facilities for athletes and sports fans alike,” said a statement from the Ministry.
Among the major upgrades financed by Sakunda Holdings are the installation of new bucket seats and extensive pitch works aimed at restoring the stadium to international standards.
The tour provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the progress made and the overall state of preparedness of the facility ahead of the anticipated return of international football action at the end of the month.
The National Sports Stadium remains a key strategic sporting asset for Zimbabwe and its restoration is expected to play an important role in the revival and growth of local football.
