News / National
First shipment of bucket seats arrives for National Sports Stadium renovation
30 Nov 2024 at 12:49hrs | Views
The long-awaited refurbishment of the National Sports Stadium took a significant leap forward yesterday with the arrival of the first consignment of bucket seats. This milestone is part of an ambitious project to modernize the 37-year-old facility, which has been unfit for international football since November 2021.
The Government, in collaboration with energy giant Sakunda Holdings, procured 55,000 bucket seats from China to meet the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) requirements. Installation of these seats, alongside electronic turnstiles, is a critical step towards lifting the stadium's suspension from hosting international matches.
A Historic Step
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, joined by Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo and other officials, celebrated the delivery of the seats, which arrived via Beira, Mozambique. Members of Parliament, including Shurugwi South legislator Wilson Mhuri, and representatives from Sakunda Holdings, such as project manager Nqobile Magwizi, also attended the event.
"This is a significant step forward in revitalizing our national sports facilities and enhancing the experience of both athletes and fans alike," Jesaya said. She emphasized the Government's commitment to ensuring the stadium meets CAF standards and regains its certification.
Reviving National Pride
The stadium's refurbishment is a major boost for Zimbabwean football, which has suffered from the lack of a home ground for international matches. The Warriors, Zimbabwe's national football team, have been playing their "home" fixtures in Uganda and South Africa. Despite these challenges, the team qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, showcasing their resilience.
Jesaya highlighted the symbolic significance of the bucket seats as a renewed commitment to meeting international standards. "This is a signal that we are serious about improving our facilities, not just for our sports teams but for every Zimbabwean who loves and supports our national sports," she said.
Completion Timeline and Future Goals
Project manager Nqobile Magwizi assured the nation that the bucket seat installation would be completed within months, potentially in time for Zimbabwe's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin on March 17, 2025.
"We are hopeful to finish soon and restore the stadium as a home ground for the Warriors. This project also opens doors for other private sector players to invest in sports infrastructure," Magwizi said.
In addition to bucket seats, the refurbishment includes upgrading water systems, ablution facilities, turnstiles, dressing rooms, medical areas, and installing CCTV cameras.
With expectations high, many fans hope the National Sports Stadium will be ready by September 8, 2025, when Zimbabwe is scheduled to host Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier. The Government and Sakunda Holdings are determined to restore the stadium to its former glory, turning it into a symbol of national pride and a hub for international football in Zimbabwe.
The Government, in collaboration with energy giant Sakunda Holdings, procured 55,000 bucket seats from China to meet the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) requirements. Installation of these seats, alongside electronic turnstiles, is a critical step towards lifting the stadium's suspension from hosting international matches.
A Historic Step
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Emily Jesaya, joined by Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo and other officials, celebrated the delivery of the seats, which arrived via Beira, Mozambique. Members of Parliament, including Shurugwi South legislator Wilson Mhuri, and representatives from Sakunda Holdings, such as project manager Nqobile Magwizi, also attended the event.
"This is a significant step forward in revitalizing our national sports facilities and enhancing the experience of both athletes and fans alike," Jesaya said. She emphasized the Government's commitment to ensuring the stadium meets CAF standards and regains its certification.
Reviving National Pride
The stadium's refurbishment is a major boost for Zimbabwean football, which has suffered from the lack of a home ground for international matches. The Warriors, Zimbabwe's national football team, have been playing their "home" fixtures in Uganda and South Africa. Despite these challenges, the team qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, showcasing their resilience.
Jesaya highlighted the symbolic significance of the bucket seats as a renewed commitment to meeting international standards. "This is a signal that we are serious about improving our facilities, not just for our sports teams but for every Zimbabwean who loves and supports our national sports," she said.
Completion Timeline and Future Goals
Project manager Nqobile Magwizi assured the nation that the bucket seat installation would be completed within months, potentially in time for Zimbabwe's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Benin on March 17, 2025.
"We are hopeful to finish soon and restore the stadium as a home ground for the Warriors. This project also opens doors for other private sector players to invest in sports infrastructure," Magwizi said.
In addition to bucket seats, the refurbishment includes upgrading water systems, ablution facilities, turnstiles, dressing rooms, medical areas, and installing CCTV cameras.
With expectations high, many fans hope the National Sports Stadium will be ready by September 8, 2025, when Zimbabwe is scheduled to host Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier. The Government and Sakunda Holdings are determined to restore the stadium to its former glory, turning it into a symbol of national pride and a hub for international football in Zimbabwe.
Source - the herald
