Zifa explores new stadium in Victoria Falls

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is reportedly exploring plans to construct a new state-of-the-art stadium in Victoria Falls, a move seen as part of the country's preparations to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) alongside South Africa and Botswana.

According to reports, Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi visited Victoria Falls on Tuesday, meeting with the city council and touring potential sites in Mkhosana and areas near the Gorges. The delegation, which included Zifa general secretary Norman Gwangwadza and Southern Region vice-president Cllr Tafadzwa Mutowa, aimed to identify suitable land for the project and discuss strategies to elevate sports tourism and infrastructure development in the tourism hub.

A Facebook post by the City of Victoria Falls highlighted the significance of the visit. "Zimbabwe is among the southern African nations preparing a regional bid for the 2028 Afcon. Victoria Falls is strategically located to host world-class sporting activities, hence the need for appropriate facilities," the post read.

Currently, the city hosts the Division One-classified Chinotimba Stadium, but the construction of a modern stadium with B and C Arenas would raise Victoria Falls' profile, potentially attracting clubs for competitions, off-season training, and camping programs.

Zifa emphasised the potential for public-private partnerships to support infrastructure development in line with government priorities.

The move comes as Zimbabwe lacks a Caf-certified stadium, forcing national teams and continental competition participants to host home fixtures in neighbouring countries. The new facility would be a major boost to domestic football and sports tourism ahead of the 2028 Afcon bid decision by the Caf executive committee.