Mafume eyes floodlights as Rufaro Stadium revival gathers pace

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says the transformation of Rufaro Stadium is far from complete, with floodlights, additional bucket seats and upgraded facilities next on the city's agenda as it seeks to restore the iconic venue to its former glory.

After years of neglect that saw it lose its certification, Rufaro Stadium has undergone a remarkable revival this season, with its playing surface now regarded as one of the best in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League.

The stadium currently hosts home matches for Dynamos, CAPS United, defending champions Scottland and Herentals, while newly promoted FC Hunters also use it as an alternative home venue.

Despite hosting a heavy fixture schedule, the pitch has remained in excellent condition, a development Mafume said vindicates the city's phased approach to the stadium's rehabilitation.

"It is, and it remains a work in progress. We concentrated on the playing area first," Mafume said.

"The lawn is now lush, and the turf has withstood the number of games. We have had as many as six games in one week, including midweek fixtures, and the pitch has remained in good condition."

Mafume said the next phase of the project will focus on improving the spectator experience and bringing the stadium up to modern standards.

Among the planned upgrades are the installation of floodlights, additional bucket seats, a new players' tunnel and improved ablution facilities.

The mayor also expressed his desire to see the return of night football at Rufaro, arguing that evening kick-offs would attract larger crowds by allowing supporters to attend matches after work.

"Very soon, we are going to introduce night games because some matches start too early, before people have finished work.

"Games can kick off around five o'clock and continue into the night," he said.

Mafume revealed that the procurement process for several of the planned developments had already been completed.

"We've already done the tender for the bucket seats for the rest of the ground. We will also do the lights and the covers before moving to the expansion of the stadium itself."

He said the city would also work closely with clubs that regularly use the venue when redesigning the technical areas.

"Very soon we are going to have the tunnel done and the dugouts re-looked at together with the teams that use the stadium."

Mafume believes Rufaro's revival has restored the stadium's status as the heart of Zimbabwean football, with supporters returning in increasing numbers to enjoy domestic league matches.

"Despite the initial fears, it has become a carnival atmosphere. People are coming back to the stadium, families are coming, and people are finding love again at sports grounds.

"It should be a place of entertainment, a place of pleasure, and a place of employment for young people. We are now seeing players who could have been in the South African Premier League choosing to play here in Zimbabwe and becoming household names."

The mayor also acknowledged the need to modernise matchday operations by revisiting plans to install electronic turnstiles to improve crowd management and speed up entry, particularly during high-profile fixtures such as the Harare derby between CAPS United and Dynamos and clashes involving Highlanders.

Once completed, the planned upgrades are expected to further strengthen Rufaro Stadium's position as one of Zimbabwe's premier football venues and enhance the matchday experience for players and supporters alike.