RACE AGAINST TIME: National Sports Stadium Nears 95% Completion Ahead of May Reopening
- Southerton Business Times
- May 2
- 2 min read
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s premier sporting venue, the National Sports Stadium, is in the final stretch of an extensive refurbishment program, with government officials confident the facility will host football matches before the end of May. Following a high-level tour of the site, authorities indicated that the stadium is on track to reopen for local fixtures starting May 25, 2026.
Nicholas Moyo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, revealed that the facility has already met approximately 95% of the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The renovation surge is specifically aimed at achieving homologation, the process of ensuring the stadium meets international standards set by both CAF and FIFA. Moyo expressed firm confidence that the May 24 deadline for the completion of works will be achieved.
The refurbishment has moved beyond cosmetic changes, focusing on critical infrastructure and technological integration:
Electronic Turnstiles: Newly installed systems designed to scan tickets and provide real-time attendance data are now in place.
Ablution Facilities: Previously condemned toilets have been completely rebuilt, resolving a major sticking point from previous inspections.
Inclusion: Work is being finalized on dedicated, user-friendly access points for people living with disabilities.
Capacity Management: Upon its initial return, the stadium will accommodate a limited capacity of 20,000 spectators while further phases are completed.
The reopening is expected to provide much-needed relief to Rufaro Stadium, which has been overwhelmed by a heavy schedule of domestic matches. Farai Jere, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Sport, welcomed the progress but maintained a firm stance on the timeline.
"Parliament will continue to push for adherence to deadlines to ensure the reopening target is not missed," Jere stated during the tour.
With the first local match tentatively scheduled for late May, the restoration of the iconic venue marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's quest to bring international football back to the capital.
National Sports Stadium Zimbabwe refurbishment
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