UHURU CUP FINAL VENUE ALMOST READY

Ray Bande in MUTARE

MURAMBINDA B High School football pitch is now in a fine shape to host the 44th Uhuru Cup featuring Dynamos and Highlanders next Thursday.

The construction work is well ahead of schedule, with final touches being put on the changing rooms, while construction of the terraces on two ends is still in progress.

Manica Diamonds will lock horns with Simba Bhora on Wednesday at Murambinda A Primary School Ground, which will serve as a befitting precursor to the Battle of Zimbabwe, the following day, at the main venue.

According to the Sports and Recreation Commission coordinator for Manicaland, Shupikai Berejena, all is set for the historical football encounter – the first of its magnitude to be hosted in the largely communal district of Buhera.

“We are well ahead of schedule in terms of the construction work of the stadium, which is the venue of the 44th Uhuru Cup.

“The installation of goalposts, markings and dugouts are expected to be completed today (yesterday) as well as well as the trimming of the turf.

“We are looking forward to completing the terracing of the stadium on Saturday.

“The inside plastering of the changing rooms, ceilings and tubing is currently ongoing and we expect all the required furniture to be in.

“We have no doubt that we will meet the set standards for this high-profile match,” said Berejena.

Berejena said the Manica Diamonds and Simba Bhora match will not be played at the same venue where Dynamos and Highlanders will clash during the Independence Day commemorations.

“We will have Manica Diamonds and Simba Bhora clashing at Murambinda A Primary School Ground on the eve of the Independence Day celebrations, as part of the President’s Children’s Party.”