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Prophet Magaya makes big pledge
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ZIFA presidential aspirant Walter Magaya has pledged to leave a lasting legacy in Zimbabwean football, revealing that he has invested over US$25 million into the development of sport in the country. The founder of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries and owner of Yadah Football Club in the Premier Soccer League is spearheading a major infrastructure project that includes the construction of Heart Stadium in Harare and the ongoing development of a new stadium in Kwekwe.
Magaya, who is committed to improving the country's football facilities, is collaborating with business associate Shepherd Chahwanda on the ambitious Chahwanda Stadium project in Kwekwe. The stadium, which is expected to have a seating capacity of 10,000, is already taking shape, with the pitch completed and a modern drainage system installed. The dressing rooms are also near completion. The stadium, named Chahwanda Stadium - The Heart Main Arena, is set to meet the high standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), positioning it as a venue capable of hosting international matches.
Yesterday, Deputy Sports Minister Emily Jesaya toured the stadium to view the progress and was impressed by the quality of the work being done. During the tour, Magaya emphasized his commitment to the development of football in Zimbabwe, saying, "I have put more than US$25 million into football in Zimbabwe. I have done that, I'm still doing it, and I will continue doing it. What I want to leave is a legacy. I want a situation where, many years later, people will still speak about this, just like the Gwanzura Brothers and their stadium from the 60s."
Magaya, who has already invested significant amounts into football infrastructure, noted that the money spent on the project could have gone towards personal luxuries like a helicopter or a private jet, but instead, he is focused on the future of Zimbabwean football. "I'm thinking about the next generation and what they can benefit from what I'm doing here," he said.
Magaya envisions Chahwanda Stadium as a "magnified and transformed version" of Heart Stadium, located in Waterfalls, Harare. He has set an ambitious target to complete the stadium by the end of January, just in time for the start of the next domestic Premier League season. The completion of this project could mark the return of Premier League football to Kwekwe, a city with a rich football history that was once home to prominent clubs such as Lancashire Steel, Zisco Steel, and Kwekwe Cables.
Kwekwe United, a local team coached by Prince Matore, won promotion to the Premier League and could become the first club to use Chahwanda Stadium as its home ground next season. In addition, Hardrock FC, owned by Chahwanda and set to compete in the ZIFA Central Region Soccer League, will also use the stadium for its home matches.
Deputy Minister Jesaya praised the efforts of private sector investors like Magaya in advancing sports infrastructure in the country. "I'm excited to be here to see the amazing work that is being done by the private sector in an effort to develop sport in Zimbabwe," she said. "This stadium is one of the facilities that will host international games."
Magaya's commitment to football development is set to have a lasting impact on the sport in Zimbabwe, offering not only better infrastructure but also inspiring a new generation of footballers and fans.
Magaya, who is committed to improving the country's football facilities, is collaborating with business associate Shepherd Chahwanda on the ambitious Chahwanda Stadium project in Kwekwe. The stadium, which is expected to have a seating capacity of 10,000, is already taking shape, with the pitch completed and a modern drainage system installed. The dressing rooms are also near completion. The stadium, named Chahwanda Stadium - The Heart Main Arena, is set to meet the high standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), positioning it as a venue capable of hosting international matches.
Yesterday, Deputy Sports Minister Emily Jesaya toured the stadium to view the progress and was impressed by the quality of the work being done. During the tour, Magaya emphasized his commitment to the development of football in Zimbabwe, saying, "I have put more than US$25 million into football in Zimbabwe. I have done that, I'm still doing it, and I will continue doing it. What I want to leave is a legacy. I want a situation where, many years later, people will still speak about this, just like the Gwanzura Brothers and their stadium from the 60s."
Magaya, who has already invested significant amounts into football infrastructure, noted that the money spent on the project could have gone towards personal luxuries like a helicopter or a private jet, but instead, he is focused on the future of Zimbabwean football. "I'm thinking about the next generation and what they can benefit from what I'm doing here," he said.
Magaya envisions Chahwanda Stadium as a "magnified and transformed version" of Heart Stadium, located in Waterfalls, Harare. He has set an ambitious target to complete the stadium by the end of January, just in time for the start of the next domestic Premier League season. The completion of this project could mark the return of Premier League football to Kwekwe, a city with a rich football history that was once home to prominent clubs such as Lancashire Steel, Zisco Steel, and Kwekwe Cables.
Kwekwe United, a local team coached by Prince Matore, won promotion to the Premier League and could become the first club to use Chahwanda Stadium as its home ground next season. In addition, Hardrock FC, owned by Chahwanda and set to compete in the ZIFA Central Region Soccer League, will also use the stadium for its home matches.
Deputy Minister Jesaya praised the efforts of private sector investors like Magaya in advancing sports infrastructure in the country. "I'm excited to be here to see the amazing work that is being done by the private sector in an effort to develop sport in Zimbabwe," she said. "This stadium is one of the facilities that will host international games."
Magaya's commitment to football development is set to have a lasting impact on the sport in Zimbabwe, offering not only better infrastructure but also inspiring a new generation of footballers and fans.
Source - newsday
