National Sports Stadium nears completion

Renovations at Zimbabwe's National Sports Stadium (NSS) have reached an advanced stage, with authorities confirming that the facility is expected to reopen before the start of the 2026 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

Sports, Arts, Recreation and Culture Minister Anselem Sanyatwe inspected the ongoing works and commended contractors for their dedication. "I have personally witnessed the contractors working flat out day and night and I have given them the deadline for them to complete," he said. "The work is supposed to be completed by the beginning of the 2026 season. I have given them time to tie up the loose ends, so to be precise, it should be before the beginning of the season."

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere provided details of the progress. He noted that extensive work has been completed on drainage systems for both the main pitch and the B-Arena, with lawn planting for the B-Arena set to commence shortly.

Dr Muswere added that key infrastructure upgrades are well underway, with electrical works 90 percent complete, water reticulation at 90 percent, turnstiles at 65 percent, and ablution facilities at 58 percent completion.

The renovations aim to elevate the NSS to international standards, positioning it to host both top-flight domestic football and potential international fixtures. The reopening is expected to give a major boost to Zimbabwean football, which in recent years has faced challenges due to limited access to CAF-approved venues.

Fans and stakeholders alike are anticipating the return of the stadium as a fully functional, world-class facility in time for the 2026 PSL season kickoff.