ZIFA Explores Plans for New Stadium in Victoria Falls Ahead of 2028 AFCON Bid

Victoria Falls

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) is reportedly exploring plans to build a new state-of-the-art stadium in Victoria Falls as part of preparations for a regional bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations. Zimbabwe is expected to jointly bid for the tournament with South Africa and Botswana.

Reports indicate that ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi visited Victoria Falls on Tuesday, where he met city officials and inspected potential sites for the proposed stadium. The ZIFA delegation also included general secretary Norman Gwangwadza and Southern Region vice-president Tafadzwa Mutowa. During the visit, the officials toured possible locations in Mkhosana and areas near the Gorges as they assessed land suitable for the development of a modern sports facility.

According to a statement shared by the City of Victoria Falls, the proposed stadium could strengthen the city’s position as a hub for sports tourism.

“Zimbabwe is among the southern African nations preparing a regional bid for the 2028 Afcon. Victoria Falls is strategically located to host world-class sporting activities, hence the need for appropriate facilities,” the council said in a social media post.

Officials say the project could also help attract football clubs for competitions, training camps, and off-season preparations.

Victoria Falls currently hosts the Division One-level Chinotimba Stadium. However, ZIFA is reportedly considering the construction of a modern stadium complex featuring main match facilities as well as B and C arenas to meet international standards.

Zimbabwe currently does not have a stadium certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host international matches. As a result, the national team and local clubs competing in continental tournaments have been forced to stage home fixtures in neighbouring countries. Football authorities believe a new facility in Victoria Falls could strengthen Zimbabwe’s infrastructure as the CAF executive committee prepares to decide on the 2028 AFCON hosts. ZIFA has also indicated that the project could be implemented through public-private partnerships aligned with government infrastructure priorities.

Victoria Falls stadium project AFCON 2028 bid