THE National Sports Stadium will reopen for local football matches on 25 May, with the first fixture set for that week, restoring Zimbabwe’s ability to host domestic games at its largest venue after a three year shutdown.
Permanent Secretary for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Nicholas Moyo told MPs and journalists after a site tour that renovations are 95 percent complete and on track to meet Confederation of African Football standards.
“About 95% of CAF requirements have already been met. We are confident the 24 May deadline will be achieved,” Moyo revealed to Newsonline.
The reopening will ease pressure on Rufaro Stadium, which has carried a heavy Premier Soccer League fixture load since the National Sports Stadium was closed for matches in 2021. CAF barred the venue from hosting internationals over substandard facilities, forcing the Warriors and local clubs to play home games abroad.
Refurbishment works include electronic turnstiles that scan tickets and provide real time attendance data. A dedicated gate for people living with disabilities is still being finalised.
Previously condemned ablution facilities have been rebuilt, addressing a key concern raised in past CAF inspections. Bucket seats have been installed in sections of the stadium, while floodlights, dressing rooms and the media tribune were upgraded to meet FIFA homologation standards.
ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairperson Lincoln Mutasa said the reopening was critical for the growth of the domestic game.
“Having the National Sports Stadium back means our clubs can play in a proper environment and fans can return to the home of Zimbabwean football. We’re working with the Ministry to confirm the first fixture for the week of May 25,” Mutasa said.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport chairperson Farai Jere welcomed the progress but urged urgency.
“Parliament will continue to push for adherence to deadlines to ensure the reopening target is not missed,” Jere said.
The stadium will initially accommodate 20,000 spectators while safety certifications are finalised, despite a higher capacity once all phases are complete. Authorities said the phased reopening allows CAF inspectors to assess match day operations before full homologation.
The Ministry expects the stadium to be cleared for CAF club competitions later this year if match day tests in May and June meet requirements.
