Online Reporter
Tongai Mashonga
A wave of optimism swept through Kwekwe at the weekend as hundreds gathered for the official opening of the new Kwekwe Sports Arena — a multi-purpose complex valued at US$150 000 that is set to transform the Midlands city into a sporting and recreational hub.
The state-of-the-art arena, owned by local businessman Lucky Dube, boasts a 2 000-seater capacity and supports a range of disciplines, from motor spinning and five-a-side football to boxing, tennis and basketball.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony — attended by fans, athletes and motor spinners from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Bulawayo and Harare — Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube praised the initiative as a model of how private investment can drive economic and social growth.
“Sport is being positioned as a strategic tool to drive wellness, regional integration, and entrepreneurship in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and its transition into NDS2,” said Ncube.
“This facility provides more than just sporting infrastructure. It offers employment to 25 people and includes a children’s play centre, a butchery, a bottle store, and a grocery shop.”
He said the project reflects the Second Republic’s vision of economic revival anchored on youth empowerment and private enterprise, adding that sport remains central to national unity and community development.
“The arena stands as a model of heritage-based innovation and community development,” Ncube added.
The event marked a proud moment for Kwekwe residents, who witnessed Dube’s dream come to life after years of planning and construction.
“This is not just a sporting venue,” said Dube, visibly emotional as he took to the stage. “It’s a home for young people and a step towards a better Kwekwe.”
Moments later, he swapped the microphone for the driver’s seat, thrilling the crowd with a daring motor spinning exhibition on the newly paved track.
The arena’s unveiling also underscored growing confidence in Kwekwe’s private sector-led development, with other investors such as Shepherd Chahwanda already constructing the nearby Chahwanda Stadium — another project expected to enhance the city’s sporting infrastructure.
The opening celebrations ran deep into the night, as fans filled the stands and the roar of engines echoed across the city.
Officials say the new facility will not only nurture sporting talent but also boost tourism and economic activity, attracting visitors from across the region. It is also expected to promote social cohesion and offer young people alternatives to drug and substance abuse.
“We are determined to build a healthy, focused generation that chooses sports, education and innovation over drugs,” said one of the organisers.
The Kwekwe Sports Arena now stands as both a symbol of progress and a catalyst for economic revival, reflecting how sport continues to unite communities and inspire growth across Zimbabwe.
