Opinion / Columnist
Is Zimbabwe ready for 2028 AFCON bid?
2 hrs ago |
77 Views
Whoever won the contract to renovate the enormous stadium and completed the subpar work should be held accountable for their use of the funds.
After 46 years of independence, it appears that Zimbabwe is not yet ready for significant infrastructure development. The 60,000-seat national sports stadium, which was constructed by the Chinese and opened in 1987, is still unsightly after the renovations were finished.
The stadium was condemned by CAF at the end of 2021, but not much has changed in the last five years. Indeed, it is an insult to our intelligence to claim that this type of work is ready after five years of renovation.
The stadium's appearance has deteriorated. This is really embarrassing and pitiful.
The national sports stadium was built in two and a half years, from October 1984 to April 1987, but the renovations took five years to complete.
Nothing about that enormous stadium can be considered an upgrade. We shouldn't celebrate things that are merely mediocre. I believed that our leaders had travelled extensively throughout the world and had seen how stadiums are constructed in other nations.
Bravo to Chahwanda Stadium, which was constructed by a single person and is far more attractive and superior to the enormous stadium.
Is it true that Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Sanyatwe, stated that the nation was created by its own citizens when such shoddy work is exhibited?
In Zimbabwe, where we constantly celebrate mediocrity at the expense of excellence, it has now turned into a cancerous disease.
The nation's attempts to host AFCON have consistently failed due to obstacles.
In the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000
At the last minute, CAF revoked Zimbabwe's initial right to host. CAF mentioned the government's lack of financial guarantees and the stadium's sluggish construction. Instead, Ghana/Nigeria won the competition.
The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations presented yet another fantastic opportunity, where
Zimbabwe did not make the short list despite submitting a bid. Zimbabwe's bids were rejected by CAF.
Africa Cup of Nations, 2014 Zimbabwe attempted to obtain the rights but was unsuccessful.
The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations followed.
Zimbabwe failed to meet the deadline. Only South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were mentioned by CAF.
In the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017
The CAF rejected Zimbabwe's bid due to subpar stadiums, training facilities, lodging, and communications.
Additionally, Zimbabwe was unable to negotiate a co-hosting agreement with Zambia.
The 2028 Africa Cup of Nations bid is still pending. Zimbabwe is still included in a proposed joint bid with South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and Mozambique. South Africa's sports minister has warned that Zimbabwe needs to show that the stadium is ready and that they don't want people to tell them that they are still planning to build.
If Zimbabwe is serious about hosting any kind of high-profile tournament, something needs to be done given the state of our stadiums.
Email- konileonard606@gmail.com
X- @Leokoni
After 46 years of independence, it appears that Zimbabwe is not yet ready for significant infrastructure development. The 60,000-seat national sports stadium, which was constructed by the Chinese and opened in 1987, is still unsightly after the renovations were finished.
The stadium was condemned by CAF at the end of 2021, but not much has changed in the last five years. Indeed, it is an insult to our intelligence to claim that this type of work is ready after five years of renovation.
The stadium's appearance has deteriorated. This is really embarrassing and pitiful.
The national sports stadium was built in two and a half years, from October 1984 to April 1987, but the renovations took five years to complete.
Nothing about that enormous stadium can be considered an upgrade. We shouldn't celebrate things that are merely mediocre. I believed that our leaders had travelled extensively throughout the world and had seen how stadiums are constructed in other nations.
Bravo to Chahwanda Stadium, which was constructed by a single person and is far more attractive and superior to the enormous stadium.
Is it true that Zimbabwe's Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture, Sanyatwe, stated that the nation was created by its own citizens when such shoddy work is exhibited?
In Zimbabwe, where we constantly celebrate mediocrity at the expense of excellence, it has now turned into a cancerous disease.
The nation's attempts to host AFCON have consistently failed due to obstacles.
In the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000
At the last minute, CAF revoked Zimbabwe's initial right to host. CAF mentioned the government's lack of financial guarantees and the stadium's sluggish construction. Instead, Ghana/Nigeria won the competition.
Zimbabwe did not make the short list despite submitting a bid. Zimbabwe's bids were rejected by CAF.
Africa Cup of Nations, 2014 Zimbabwe attempted to obtain the rights but was unsuccessful.
The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations followed.
Zimbabwe failed to meet the deadline. Only South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were mentioned by CAF.
In the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017
The CAF rejected Zimbabwe's bid due to subpar stadiums, training facilities, lodging, and communications.
Additionally, Zimbabwe was unable to negotiate a co-hosting agreement with Zambia.
The 2028 Africa Cup of Nations bid is still pending. Zimbabwe is still included in a proposed joint bid with South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, and Mozambique. South Africa's sports minister has warned that Zimbabwe needs to show that the stadium is ready and that they don't want people to tell them that they are still planning to build.
If Zimbabwe is serious about hosting any kind of high-profile tournament, something needs to be done given the state of our stadiums.
Email- konileonard606@gmail.com
X- @Leokoni
Source - Leonard Koni
All articles and letters published on Bulawayo24 have been independently written by members of Bulawayo24's community. The views of users published on Bulawayo24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Bulawayo24. Bulawayo24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
Join the discussion
Loading comments…
