ZANU PF Murewa West legislator Farai Jere criticized Zimbabwe’s failure to renovate the National Sports Stadium, calling it a national embarrassment. The country’s soccer teams have been forced to play home matches in neighboring countries’ facilities due to the stadium’s poor condition.
Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry previously assured that ongoing renovations at the stadium would be completed by June this year. However, this deadline was not met, leaving Zimbabwe without a Confederation of African Football (CAF)-approved facility to host international games. This situation forced the Warriors to host a World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at South Africa’s Orlando Stadium.
During a recent Q&A session, Jere, who is also the Premier Soccer League chairman, told Speaker Jacob Mudenda that US$5 million would suffice to make the stadium usable again.
“I wanted to check with the Finance minister on the government’s plan for the renovation of the National Sports Stadium. The country is under serious embarrassment that we are playing our matches outside the country,” Jere said.
Finance Deputy Minister David Mnangagwa responded by acknowledging the need for additional funding beyond the current budget allocation. He mentioned ongoing discussions with private sector players to create a funding vehicle listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. This vehicle would allow pension funds, private players, and Zimbabweans to crowdfund for the stadium’s refurbishment.
“We are in talks with private sector players to see how best we can create a vehicle listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange. This will allow pension funds, private players, and Zimbabweans to crowdfund for the stadium’s refurbishment,” Mnangagwa explained.
He highlighted that this approach has been successful for other construction projects like Highlands Park and shopping malls in Harare. Mnangagwa emphasized that partnering with the private sector could make the stadium a lucrative investment while addressing the current issues.
Jere revealed that while US$12 million is needed for a complete refurbishment, US$5 million could make the stadium usable. He questioned whether the government could not allocate this amount to avoid further embarrassment.
“We appreciate what the government is doing with roads and other infrastructure. However, can we not sacrifice US$5 million to save the embarrassment the President faces on social media regarding the stadium?” Jere questioned.
Zimbabwe is scheduled to play an AFCON 2025 qualifier in September. The deputy minister assured Parliament that the budget for the National Sports Stadium includes disbursements aligned with contract schedules.
Another MP, Bajila, criticized the procurement of bucket seats for the stadium from China, pointing out that local companies like Tredgers Plastics in Bulawayo have the capacity to manufacture these seats.
Mnangagwa responded by stating that the government’s procurement policy is guided by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act, which calls for bids overseen by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ).
Citizens Coalition for Change Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika suggested leveraging Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) arrangements, a strategy used by many countries to finance stadium construction.
The National Sports Stadium’s renovation remains a critical issue. The need for adequate funding and efficient management is apparent. Addressing these challenges is essential for Zimbabwe to host international games and restore national pride. The government’s collaboration with the private sector and the community is vital to achieving these goals. With proper funding and strategic partnerships, Zimbabwe can ensure its sports facilities meet international standards, benefiting athletes and fans alike.
Source: New Zimbabwe
