Siphakeme .Mnindwa
AFTER months of speculation and misconceptions regarding the refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium, the first consignment of bucket seats finally arrived in the country yesterday, marking a significant leap forward in the renovation of the 37-year-old facility.
The installation of bucket seats and electronic turnstiles is a key requirement on the Confederation of African Football’s checklist for lifting the suspension on hosting international matches. The Government, in partnership with energy giants Sakunda Holdings, procured 55,000 bucket seats from China as part of ongoing efforts to modernise the venue, which has been dormant for several months. The stadium has also failed to meet local football standards, largely due to water supply issues.
Since November 2021, the stadium has been ineligible to host international matches. However, thanks to the partnership between the government and Sakunda Holdings, the facility is expected to be back in use by 2025, with hopes that it might host some of Zimbabwe’s remaining 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Jubilant Government officials, led by Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Nicholas Moyo, witnessed the arrival of the bucket seats, which came via Beira in Mozambique. The Director of Sport in the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Eugenia Chidhakwa, NC and Banat Director Nqobile Magwizi, who represented Sakunda Holdings and is the project manager for the National Sports Stadium deal, were also present. Members of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, including Shurugwi South legislator Wilson Mhuri, also witnessed the momentous occasion.
Deputy Minister Jesaya told the gathering that the government was committed to having the stadium fully refurbished and certified by Caf again. “This is a significant step forward in our journey to revitalise our national sports facilities and enhance the experience of both athletes and fans alike,” she said.
“I want to take this opportunity to address a matter that has been on the minds of many — our national teams’ current inability to participate in international matches on their home soil due to the temporary ban on our stadium by the Confederation of African Football. I understand the frustration and disappointment felt by our athletes, coaches, and supporters alike. We know how vital it is for our teams to compete on the international stage on home soil, to showcase the incredible talent we have, and to demonstrate the passion and resilience of the Zimbabwean spirit.”
Despite the disadvantage of not having their own home ground, the Warriors qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Morocco. In qualifying for the Nations Cup, the Warriors were forced to use the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Uganda when they hosted Cameroon on September 10. They went on to use Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg when they played Namibia on October 14 and completed their home campaign by hosting Kenya at Peter Mokaba in Polokwane on November 15.
“As we welcome these bucket seats, we are not just receiving furniture; we are embracing a renewed commitment to meet the standards required for our stadium. This is a signal that we are serious about improving our facilities, not just for the benefit of our sports teams, but for every Zimbabwean who loves and supports our national sports,” Deputy Minister Jesaya said.
Manager for the bucket installation project, Magwizi, assured the nation that the task would be complete “in the next few months.”
“We have been working closely on the project to ensure that we bring the National Sports Stadium back to where it should be, where we can play our matches and witness Zimbabweans gathered and enjoying the national team winning. So, we are very hopeful that we should be able to complete the project in the next few months. I must say, there is a great opportunity for other corporates to participate in projects such as this and the manner in which Sakunda came on board with the Ministry and representatives, there is an opportunity for the private sector to invest and ensure that there is continuity in the sports space,” said Magwizi.
Apart from the installation of bucket seats, other renovations include the water reticulation system, ablution facilities, turnstiles, installation of CCTV cameras, and upgrading the dressing and medical rooms.
“As you may be aware, the renovations on the National Sports Stadium are not confined to the buckets alone. The role we are playing is on the buckets, but there is a lot more that is taking place concurrently. There are drainage aspects that need to be fixed. I’m sure some of you have seen the gates that are being fixed; it’s also some work that is being done by the local government. But we are managing the installation and the procurement, and we are doing this on behalf of Sakunda Holdings.”
Zimbabwe’s next home assignment is a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin on March 17, 2025. Most Warriors fans are praying the National Sports Stadium will be ready by that time. However, it is almost certain that Zimbabwe will host Rwanda at the giant stadium in another World Cup qualifier on September 8, 2025. Given his long-standing passion for football, Magwizi is keen to see all parties working round the clock to complete the refurbishment project, which also includes several Government departments.
