Zimbabwe fans want full NSS return

Football fans have welcomed the partial homologation of the National Sports Stadium, but have called on authorities to complete the outstanding work and restore the venue to full domestic and international use.

The stadium was recently cleared to host selected matches following improvements to the facility, raising hopes that Scottland FC could use the venue for their CAF Champions League home fixtures.

For several years, infrastructure deficiencies and the failure to meet international standards have prevented Zimbabwe's national team and clubs competing in CAF competitions from using the country's premier football venue.

The latest development has therefore been welcomed by supporters, who say the return of major football to the stadium would restore a sense of pride and belonging among Zimbabwean fans.

Football supporter Richard Chemhofela Sande said the partial clearance was a welcome development, although more work remained.

"We are very happy to see the National Sports Stadium being homologated, even if it is only partially. This is our national stadium, and we have missed watching big games here," Sande said.

"It gives fans hope that, with more work, the stadium can eventually be fully homologated."

Another supporter, Ogriva Ogege Jaure, said the return of major matches to the stadium would make it easier for fans in Harare to watch the national team.

"Fans want to watch the national team in action, and the National Sports Stadium has always been an important venue for us," Jaure said.

"We are encouraged by the progress and hope the remaining issues will also be addressed."

Chris Romario Musekiwa said the partial homologation should be viewed as the beginning of the stadium's rehabilitation rather than the conclusion of the process.

"It is a good step forward, but we should not stop here. The partial homologation gives us something to celebrate, but it should also motivate the authorities to complete the outstanding work," Musekiwa said.

The National Sports Stadium has remained largely unavailable for major international fixtures because of infrastructure deficiencies, forcing Zimbabwe's national teams and local clubs to seek alternative venues, including facilities outside the country.

Fans now hope that the latest improvements will pave the way for the stadium to regain its status as the country's main venue for major domestic and international football matches.

They also want authorities to maintain momentum and address all remaining requirements needed for full homologation, allowing Zimbabwe to host high-profile CAF and international fixtures on home soil.