National Sports Stadium to host international matches

Zimbabwean football has received a major boost after the National Sports Stadium was granted CAF Category 3 approval, paving the way for the country to host a broader range of international matches on home soil.

The approval marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, which has endured a prolonged period in which its premier football venue was unable to host major international fixtures.

The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture announced the development on Friday following a recent Confederation of African Football (CAF) technical inspection and progress on key rehabilitation works at the stadium.

Under its Category 3 status, the National Sports Stadium can, subject to the specific regulations of individual competitions, host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches, as well as Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other Category 3 fixtures.

The development is expected to allow the Warriors and Zimbabwean clubs to once again host important international matches in front of home supporters, ending the inconvenience and additional costs associated with playing competitive fixtures at foreign venues.

CAF acknowledged the efforts made by Government and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to address concerns raised during its inspection.

The ministry said the approval reflected concerted efforts to restore the stadium to its position as Zimbabwe's leading football venue.

"This milestone is a direct reflection of the concerted and deliberate efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, to restore the National Sports Stadium to its rightful position as the country's premier footballing venue," the ministry said.

The rehabilitation programme has involved Government, ZIFA, technical experts and private-sector partners.

Particular recognition was given to Sakunda Holdings for its partnership with Government in the stadium's modernisation, including improvements to the playing surface and installation of bucket seats.

The ministry said the upgrades had significantly improved the facility's functionality, appearance and spectator experience.

ZIFA was also commended for providing technical support and working with Government to secure the CAF approval.

However, CAF has encouraged Zimbabwe to maintain the momentum and complete outstanding priority works required to keep the facility at the required standard.

The Category 3 approval comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwean football as the country seeks to strengthen its sporting infrastructure and restore the Warriors' ability to play major international fixtures before their home fans.

The ministry called on supporters, the corporate sector, sporting organisations and the media to support efforts to protect and further improve the facility.

"Let us fill our stadiums, support our Warriors and our clubs, protect and take pride in our sporting infrastructure, and collectively contribute to creating an environment in which international football can thrive in Zimbabwe," the ministry said.

The approval represents more than an upgrade to a sporting facility. It marks the return of the National Sports Stadium to the international football map and could usher in a new era in which Zimbabwe once again hosts major continental and global football matches on home soil.