‘False dawn’ at the National Sports Stadium: CAF listing sparks confusion, then a climbdown

The National Sports Stadium (image source)

Zimbabwean football woke up this week to a tantalising headline, that the National Sports Stadium (NSS) had been “approved” by CAF to host certain international fixtures after five years in the wilderness. Several outlets ran with it, citing a list suggesting Category Two clearance for youth internationals (U17–U23) and preliminary rounds of club competitions. Social media promptly lit up with celebratory posts and graphics declaring the country “back.”

Within 24 hours, the bubble burst. News stories quoting a CAF insider reported that the inclusion was an administrative oversight and would be corrected. Others echoed the clarification, noting that a CAF inspection mission is scheduled for September to assess ongoing renovations, bucket seats, turnstiles and pitch works before any decision on homologation. However, other reports framed the saga as “false hope,” saying the 11 August list was erroneous and that Zimbabwe remains barred for now. As of Tuesday, the safest summary is that there is no green light yet.

Since 2020, Zimbabwe has been under a CAF ban on hosting internationals due to substandard facilities, a sanction that forced “home” matches into exile. While renovations have accelerated this year, CAF categorisation is stringent: Category One is required for senior men’s internationals; Category Two covers youth and some early club rounds; and each category hinges on detailed compliance — playing surface, lighting, security zones, media, and spectator facilities. The NSS has made progress, but inspectors want to see works completed and tested.

Part of the confusion stems from a genuine trend toward flexibility in early-round approvals across the continent. CAF has occasionally green-lit venues for limited categories to support development. That nuance, coupled with circulating graphics and aggregator posts, created a perfect rumour storm. Some outlets still insist Category Two approval stands; others have amended copy to reflect the “error” line. Until CAF publishes a definitive, current list on its channels or communicates directly to ZIFA, caution is warranted.

ZIFA officials say they are grateful for CAF’s engagement and government funding, with hopes pinned on the September visit unlocking phased hosting rights, first for youth and preliminary club fixtures, then, with further upgrades, senior internationals. Supporters’ groups argue for a maintenance plan to prevent a relapse into disrepair once clearance arrives. Given the stadium’s political and cultural symbolism, the stakes are larger than a fixture list; they’re about national pride and the economics of hosting.

Analysts say whilst the lack of clarity on clearance is distressing, they note that significant renovations are indeed underway and visible, a break from years of stagnation. CAF has also acknowledged the work underway. However, analysts underscore the need for Zimbabwean football to ensure effective and accurate communication whilst leading the work on the necessary renovations. As of now, CAF has hinted that the practical timeline is end-2025 at the earliest for full clearance, and until the inspection team signs off and CAF publishes the homologation, NSS remains, officially, off-limits for internationals.