NEW: National Sports Stadium set for test match ahead of full reopening

The CAF inspectors who are set to be accompanied by ZIFA Club Licensing manager Simba Gochera and the First Instance Board’s vice-chairman Xolisani Gwesela will proceed to Norton to have a look at MWOS fortress Ngoni before winding their inspection with the National Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

Harmony Agere
THE National Sports Stadium is set to host a test match on May 31 as Government moves closer to fully reopening the facility following extensive renovations.
In a statement, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Mr Nicholas Moyo said the test match would be used to assess the stadium’s operational readiness ahead of hosting local and international sporting events.
“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture wishes to inform the nation that the National Sports Stadium will host an operational test match on Sunday, 31 May 2026, as part of the ongoing processes towards the full commissioning of the facility following extensive renovation works,” he said.
The stadium has been undergoing major upgrades aimed at meeting international standards after it was banned from hosting CAF matches.
Mr Moyo said the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would soon announce the teams set to participate in the historic fixture.
“The Premier Soccer League and the Zimbabwe Football Association will soon announce the teams that will play on the important day to allow the ministry to test its systems,” he said.
“The operational test match is intended to assess stadium systems, spectator flow, safety protocols, seating arrangements, pitch standards and overall operational readiness of the facility ahead of full-scale international and local sporting activities.”
Government has expressed confidence that the revamped facility will restore Zimbabwe’s status as a competitive host for international sport.
“Members of the public are encouraged to come in their numbers and witness this historic moment as the giant National Sports Stadium prepares to reclaim its place as the home of Zimbabwean football and international sporting excellence,” he said.
According to the ministry, the renovated stadium now features upgraded bucket seats, modernised amenities, improved playing surfaces and enhanced spectator facilities in line with international standards.