Harare faces stadium crisis

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume says the capital is facing a stadium crisis and needs greater investment to revive its deteriorating sporting infrastructure.

Mafume said every community should ideally have access to a football stadium, highlighting the need for council and other stakeholders to prioritise the development and rehabilitation of sporting facilities across the city.

His comments come amid years of neglect of council-owned sporting infrastructure, with several facilities falling into disrepair due to inadequate maintenance and investment.

There have also been allegations that funds allocated for the rehabilitation of some council sporting facilities were misappropriated by officials, further undermining efforts to restore the infrastructure.

Mafume was speaking after touring progress at Mabvuku Stadium, which is being constructed by Mabvuku legislator and Scottland FC owner Pedzai Sakupwanya.

The development is expected to provide the high-density suburb with a modern sporting facility while helping address the shortage of football grounds in the capital.

Mafume said developments such as the Mabvuku project demonstrated the need for greater collaboration between local authorities, private investors and other stakeholders to address Harare's sporting infrastructure deficit.

The mayor's remarks come as football clubs and communities continue to face challenges accessing suitable venues, with some of the city's established stadiums requiring significant rehabilitation before they can fully support competitive sporting activities.

He said restoring Harare's sporting facilities would not only benefit professional football but also create opportunities for young people and strengthen community development through sport.