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Chahwanda Stadium awaits presidential unveiling
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The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has confirmed that final preparations are underway for the commissioning of Chahwanda Stadium - The Heart Main Arena, scheduled for February 28.
Ministry Secretary Nicholas Moyo conducted a final inspection of the 15,000-seater facility in Kwekwe, confirming it is ready for its high-profile debut. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to be the guest of honour at the official opening, marking a major step toward reducing Zimbabwe's reliance on foreign venues for international matches.
The stadium was built through a partnership between gold magnate and Hardrock FC owner Shepherd Chahwanda, and renowned cleric Walter Magaya, who previously spearheaded the construction of The Heart Stadium in Harare. Chahwanda Stadium will serve as the home ground for Hardrock FC following their promotion to Zimbabwe's top flight.
The first competitive match at the stadium will take place on March 6, when Hardrock FC faces defending champions Scottland FC in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
During his tour, Moyo expressed confidence that the stadium meets the standards required for CAF certification, stating:
"I am very confident that the first match — whether local league or CAF Champions League — will prove this facility's worth. In previous years, our teams had to travel to Botswana to host games. Our focus is to ensure that when our clubs play regional rivals, all roads lead to Chahwanda."
He also praised Chahwanda's investment, highlighting the importance of private-sector contributions in achieving Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 goals:
"This massiveness shows the lessons learned from constructing the original Heart Stadium. It reflects the desire to ensure Zimbabwe has world-class facilities capable of hosting continental qualifiers."
For the Kwekwe community, Chahwanda Stadium represents more than a football venue — it is a symbol of regional development and a long-awaited return of elite sports to local soil.
Ministry Secretary Nicholas Moyo conducted a final inspection of the 15,000-seater facility in Kwekwe, confirming it is ready for its high-profile debut. President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to be the guest of honour at the official opening, marking a major step toward reducing Zimbabwe's reliance on foreign venues for international matches.
The stadium was built through a partnership between gold magnate and Hardrock FC owner Shepherd Chahwanda, and renowned cleric Walter Magaya, who previously spearheaded the construction of The Heart Stadium in Harare. Chahwanda Stadium will serve as the home ground for Hardrock FC following their promotion to Zimbabwe's top flight.
The first competitive match at the stadium will take place on March 6, when Hardrock FC faces defending champions Scottland FC in the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.
During his tour, Moyo expressed confidence that the stadium meets the standards required for CAF certification, stating:
"I am very confident that the first match — whether local league or CAF Champions League — will prove this facility's worth. In previous years, our teams had to travel to Botswana to host games. Our focus is to ensure that when our clubs play regional rivals, all roads lead to Chahwanda."
He also praised Chahwanda's investment, highlighting the importance of private-sector contributions in achieving Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 goals:
"This massiveness shows the lessons learned from constructing the original Heart Stadium. It reflects the desire to ensure Zimbabwe has world-class facilities capable of hosting continental qualifiers."
For the Kwekwe community, Chahwanda Stadium represents more than a football venue — it is a symbol of regional development and a long-awaited return of elite sports to local soil.
Source - NewZimbabwe
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