National Sports Stadium Secures CAF Category 3 Approval
Buhlebenkosi Nkomo
HARARE, — Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium has secured Confederation of African Football (CAF) Category 3 approval, clearing the way for the country to host major international football matches at home.
The approval follows a recent CAF technical inspection and progress on priority works at the stadium, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
The Category 3 approval allows the National Sports Stadium, subject to the specific requirements of each competition, to host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches, as well as Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other competitions applicable to Category 3 stadia.
CAF acknowledged the efforts made by the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) in addressing observations raised during the inspection.
The Ministry said the milestone reflected Government’s efforts to restore the National Sports Stadium to its position as Zimbabwe’s premier football venue.
“This milestone is a direct reflection of the concerted and deliberate efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, to restore the National Sports Stadium to its rightful position as the country’s premier footballing venue,” the Ministry said.
The rehabilitation and modernisation of the stadium are aligned with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and Vision 2030, particularly Government’s commitment to developing modern, functional and sustainable sports infrastructure.
The Ministry also expressed its appreciation to Sakunda Holdings for its support towards the upgrading and modernisation of the stadium.
Through its partnership with Government, Sakunda Holdings supported the modernisation of the stadium pitch and the installation of bucket seats.
The Ministry said the interventions had improved the functionality, aesthetics and overall spectator experience at the national facility.
It said the support demonstrated the role private-sector partnerships can play in complementing Government efforts to rehabilitate and modernise critical national sporting infrastructure.
The Ministry also commended ZIFA for its continued technical advice and cooperation with Government in securing international approval.
“CAF itself has commended ZIFA and the relevant Zimbabwean authorities for the considerable efforts made and has encouraged the country to maintain the positive momentum and complete the remaining priority works,” the statement said.
The Ministry urged Zimbabweans, football supporters, the corporate sector, the sporting fraternity and the media to support the continued development and use of the country’s sporting infrastructure.
“Let us fill our stadiums, support our Warriors and our clubs, protect and take pride in our sporting infrastructure, and collectively contribute to creating an environment in which international football can thrive in Zimbabwe,” it said.
The approval gives Zimbabwe greater scope to host international football fixtures at the National Sports Stadium, although individual competitions will remain subject to their specific venue requirements.
