Mucheke Stadium faces temporary closure

The City of Masvingo has announced the temporary closure of Mucheke Stadium to allow for upgrading works on its changing rooms ahead of the 2026 inter-municipal games.

Masvingo Town Clerk, Edward Mukaratirwa, confirmed the development, saying the facility will be closed for two weeks while renovation work is carried out.

The closure will affect three Eastern Region Division One football teams  -  Masvingo United, FC Wangu Mazodze and Four Lions  -  who use the stadium as their home ground and will now be forced to seek alternative venues for their fixtures during the upgrade period.

Nearby alternatives include Gaths Mine Stadium in Mashava, home to Great Zimbabwe University and Power FC, as well as Lithium Stadium in Bikita, which hosts Bikita Minerals and Bikita Chida Athletic Club.

The upgrade works are part of preparations for the 2026 inter-municipal games scheduled to be hosted by Masvingo City Council on August 21–22, 2026.

Mukaratirwa said the refurbishment is aimed at improving player facilities and ensuring the stadium meets required standards for hosting major municipal sporting events.

In addition to the changing rooms, the upgrade programme includes the renovation of volleyball and basketball courts situated outside Mucheke Stadium, as well as the construction of new ablution facilities and additional changing rooms.

The city council said the broader rehabilitation exercise is intended to improve sports infrastructure and enhance the overall experience for both athletes and spectators during the upcoming games.

Once completed, the upgrades are expected to strengthen Mucheke Stadium's capacity to host regional sporting events and support the development of local football and other sporting disciplines in Masvingo Province.