Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi
Zimpapers Sports Hub
STAKEHOLDERS in the sports industry have welcomed government’s tax incentive proposals to companies involved in stadium construction with the move set to spark an increase the establishment of the country’s sports infrastructure.
The move, announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube during a 2026 budget presentation, will see companies that build or upgrade public sports facilities claiming 150 percent of their investment as a tax deduction over two years.
Ncube has sought to attract private investment in sports facilities to ease the challenges that different sport codes have been facing over the years.
His budgetary pronouncement gave the sports industry just the kind of early Christmas present they were yearning for.
ZIFA chief executive officer Yvonne Manwa greeted the proposal with relief.
Football ranks among the worst affected by the stadium crisis, as the national teams and the clubs have been forced to play their home international matches in other countries.
This is because Zimbabwe currently does not have stadium that is approved by the Confederation of African Football.
“As the football industry we are excited with this announcement,” said Manwa.
“It is a very progressive move and a game-changer in this industry. As you might be aware football has been affected in a big way by lack of proper infrastructure and we would like to thank the government of Zimbabwe for addressing the situation and incentivising business to invest more in sports infrastructure,” said Manwa.
With the move, expectations are now high that renovations at the National Sports Stadium will increase pace.
The giant stadium was banned by CAF from hosting international football matches in 2021.
However, it has been undergoing renovations in the last two years. Progress has been slow though due to various challenges.
But this new development is likely to be a game changer across the country.
According to the proposal, companies that build or upgrade public sports facilities can claim 150 percent of their investment as a tax deduction over two years.
“If a company spends US$1m fixing a stadium, it can deduct US$1.5m from its taxable income over two years.
“Specialised equipment for stadiums, such as turfs, seats, lighting, scoreboards, will come in duty-free,” Ncube said.
He also announced tax credits for youth sports and companies that fund rural sports academies or SRC-registered youth programmes.
They are set to get a US$10 000 tax credit.
Private businesses have of late played significant part in stadium construction.
Yadah have built Heart Stadium in Waterfalsss, MWOS chipped in to refurbish Ngoni in Norton while Kwekwe businessman Shephered Chahwanda has built a beautiful facility in the Midlands town.
Other clubs which have been involved in sprucing up facilities include Sheasham, who renovated Bata Stadium in Gweru and GreenFuel who refurbished the GreenFuel Arena in Chisumbanje.
Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president Thabani Gonye said the government proposal was victory for sport.
“Well, I would say this is a positive and progressive intervention or response by the government in the development of sport, particularly when it comes to the tax deductions on sports facilities and also to do with the duty-free imports,” said Gonye.
“That’s really going to be important for infrastructure. When we speak of the infrastructure of the building of the stadiums or facilities, that’s going to be very, very common.
“It’s very commendable. And then when it comes, obviously, to the issues to do with tax credits for youths, again, that is a very positive and pleasant development.”
Gonye, whose organisation has already begun preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, also called for the incentives to be widened to companies and businesses that sponsor athletes competing at the highest level.
He added that wellness programmes in the communities also needed to be supported.
“A lot of corporates are investing into that. It would also help because that would be a proactive intervention from the government where then they promote wellness in various spaces so that they reduce the burden on the medical care needs because a healthy lifestyle, which is really embedded into the community, would be the way to promote also participation into wellness programmes.
“And that also activates the lifestyle from young people. Then they know that being active is one of the ways they need to improve the base for sports because everybody will look at it.
“But, certainly I think without diluting what the finance minister has done is commendable and we are very pleased,” said Gonye.
National Athletics Association president Tendai Tagara applauded government’s decision.
“This is the way to go because in Zimbabwe sports support is voluntary social responsibility. So, we applaud the minister of finance for remembering our sector and our own minister of sport who championed the cause. Good development,” said Tagara.
Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association president Joseph Matawu said provision of facilities will lessen the burden of travelling for local supporters.
“As Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association, we wholeheartedly welcome the government’s budget proposals, these are game changers,” he said.
“As Zimbabwe we are lagging behind in terms of FIFA-CAF approved stadiums, in terms of hosting international matches, finding our country playing home matches away from home.
“With this incentive in place, I hope it is going to bridge that gap in terms of football infrastructure development in Zimbabwe.
“This will resultantly lessen the burden on our members in terms of finances we fork out for travel and accommodation outside of Zimbabwe to go and support our beloved national teams.
“It also goes without saying that we need to give credit where it is due, as I see the hands of Honourable Members of Parliament with football interests in this bidding for this proposal.
“So, thank you to Honourable Scott Sakupwanya, Farai Jere and Innocent Benza for representing the football community well and with vigour in the August House.
“Let’s continue to work together to build a stronger and more vibrant sports sector that benefits our nation of Zimbabwe and inspires future generations in line with President Mnangagwa’s National Strategy Development Goal Number 2 of achieving an upper middle economy class by year 2030,” said Matawu.
