IN a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s sports infrastructure, Sakunda Holdings has delivered the first consignment of bucket seats for installation at the National Sports Stadium.
This milestone marks a crucial step towards revamping the iconic stadium, which has been in dire need of renovation.
The stadium’s makeover is not just about aesthetics; it’s about restoring national pride and creating a world-class facility that showcases Zimbabwean talent.
Deputy Minister of Sports Emily Jesaya emphasised the importance of this project, saying, “Today, we are not just receiving furniture; we are embracing a renewed commitment to meet the standards required for our stadium.”
Sakunda Holdings’ generous contribution of 60,000 bucket seats, including 5,000 VIP and VVIP seats, demonstrates the company’s dedication to empowering local communities and promoting sports development. This partnership serves as a shining example of how private-sector investment can drive positive change and support national growth.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of playing international games at home with the national teams.
“I want to take this opportunity to address a matter that has been on the minds of many—our national teams’ current inability to participate in international matches on their home soil due to the temporary ban on our stadium by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). I understand the frustration and disappointment felt by our athletes, coaches, and supporters alike,” added Jesaya.
“We know how vital it is for our teams to compete on the international stage on home soil, to showcase the incredible talent we have, and to demonstrate the passion and resilience of the Zimbabwean spirit.
“Today, as we welcome these bucket seats, we are not just receiving furniture; we are embracing a renewed commitment to meet the standards required for our stadium. This is a signal that we are serious about improving our facilities, not just for the benefit of our sports teams, but for every Zimbabwean who loves and supports our national sports.”
As the National Sports Stadium undergoes its transformation, Zimbabweans can look forward to a renewed sense of pride and excitement. With Sakunda Holdings leading the charge, the country is one step closer to reclaiming its position as a force to be reckoned with in African sports and in particular football.
The completion of the stadium’s renovation is expected to be finished by next year, with the permanent secretary of the Sports Ministry, Nicholas Moyo, confirming that the stadium will be ready to host international matches in 2025.
“A few years ago, this stadium was banned from hosting any international matches. And later, this stadium was also unusable even for local matches because of many challenges. The first challenge is the age of this stadium…it is about 38 years old. And very minimal renovations have been happening in the last 38 years after it was first opened,” said Moyo.
“But by the time this stadium was then banned from carrying on or hosting international matches, it became a very tall order for the government of Zimbabwe to move it all alone.”
NC & Banat Strategic Partners director Nqobile Magwizi who was contracted to install the bucket seats by Sakunda Holdings said they need a handful of months to complete the installation.
“We were privileged to have been contracted by Sakunda Holdings and we are very grateful to Kuda Tagwirei for allowing NC and Barnard to work on this National Sports Stadium project,” said Magwizi.
“We are transaction advisors, we also advise on procurement and we have been working closely on the project to ensure that we bring the National Sports Stadium back to where it should be where we can play our matches and witness Zimbabweans gather and enjoy the nationals team winning.
“So we are very hopeful that we should be able to complete the project in the next few months. I must say there is a great opportunity for other corporates to participate in projects such as this in the manner in which Sakunda came on board with the ministry and there is an opportunity for the private sector to invest and ensure that there is continuity in the sports space. It has a big impact when the private sector comes on board and works together with government.”
As the project nears its completion, one thing is clear: Sakunda Holdings’ commitment to Zimbabwean sports has ignited a beacon of hope for a brighter, more prosperous future.
