Zimbabwe could soon wave goodbye to hosting CAF matches home away from home at club and national level, as a state-of-the-art stadium is nearing completion in the country.
The Warriors have been playing their home matches in South Africa at Orlando Stadium as they do not have a CAF-approved stadium. On Friday, they will play their home match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bafana Bafana at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.
This has been the case since 2020 when CAF banned the Harare-based National Sports Stadium [NSS] from hosting international matches. Five years have gone by and the NSS, which has a maximum seating capacity of 60 000, is yet to be fully renovated.
While bucket seats have been fully installed at the NSS, there are several key areas that still need attention including the turf. However, there is a ray of hope as Chahwanda stadium being built by Shepherd Chahwanda in partnership with popular cleric Walter Magaya, is nearing completion.
Situated approximately 210 kilometers from the capital, Harare, Chahwanda stadium boosts of some distinctive features, which include 24-ensuited rooms that could accommodate a full team. Furthermore, the stadium features a total of 52 entrances, meant to ensure a stampede free atmosphere. Twelve retail shops are also part of the giant facility.
CHAHWANDA STADIUM GIVES HOPE TO ZIMBABWEAN FOOTBALL FANS
The Kwekwe-based facility, Chahwanda stadium, is expected to have a maximum seating capacity of 15 000. Muhammad Feizal Sidat, a CAF stadium expert, who has been working hand in glove with the owners stated that the facility is on course to meet CAF requirements. In his latest visit, the Mozambique national said the facility is poised to meet CAF’s Category 2.
Category 2 allows hosting of matches that include Under 17 and Under 23 African Cup of Nations qualifiers as well as Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary round matches.
“As we are all aware, CAF is the continental body that sets its requirements for stadiums in different categorizations from 1 to 4, the highest being categories 3 and 4. In accordance to our recommendations, right now there is good progress in terms of meeting the category 2 requirements set by CAF. Of course, the stadium is not only to be used for continental competitions, but also definitely for PSL competitions, but we always want to think ahead, and I know from the project priority, everything is achievable, “he said.
The modern amenities at the stadium include a presidential suite, a state-of-the-art clinic for emergencies and a Zimbabwe Football Association office. The stadium will be home to Hardrock FC which is currently fighting for promotion into the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
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