Zimbabwe is set to officially open the new Chahwanda Stadium, a move that will likely put an end to the national team hosting home matches on foreign soil.
Zimbabwe national teams and representatives in CAF interclub competitions have been hosting matches in South Africa and Botswana in recent times.
Last year, the Warriors played their home matches in South Africa at Orlando Stadium, Peter Mokaba Stadium, and Moses Mabhida Stadium, as they do not have a CAF-approved stadium.
Simba Bhora, Zimbabwe’s latest team in the CAF Champions League competition, played their first preliminary round match at Obert Itani Chilume Stadium in Botswana. They were eliminated at that stage.
WHEN THE STADIUM WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED
However, there is hope that Chahwanda Stadium could meet the required CAF standards, as according to Muhammad Feizal Sidat, a CAF stadium expert, who has been working hand in glove with the owner, Shepherd Chahwanda and his partner, popular cleric Walter Magaya.
Barring any last-minute changes, the stadium, also known as The Heart Main Arena, is set to be officially commissioned by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
But it remains to be revealed when CAF stadium inspectors will be invited to run the ruler on the facility, which has been earmarked to meet CAF’s Category 2.
Category 2 allows hosting of matches that include CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round matches, as well as Under 17 and Under 23 African Cup of Nations qualifiers. And Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON] qualifiers. The stadium is home to Zimbabwe PSL newcomers, Hardrock FC.
MASSIVE PROGRESS AT THE NATIONAL SPORTS STADIUM
Chahwanda Stadium is situated approximately 210 kilometres from the capital, Harare. And it boasts of some distinctive features, which include 24 en-suites rooms that could accommodate a full team. Furthermore, the stadium has a total of 52 entrances, meant to ensure a stampede-free atmosphere. Twelve retail shops are also part of the giant facility.
Meanwhile, there has been significant progress at the National Sports Stadium [NSS] in Harare, which has been closed since 2020. Bucket seats have been fully installed at the NSS. As for the pitch, they are installing a new turf while also detailing a few areas that need upgrading.
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