NSS renovation delays frustrate football fans

Zim Now Writer

Zimbabwean football fans may have to wait longer than anticipated to witness international matches on home soil. Despite ongoing renovations at the National Sports Stadium, the facility remains below CAF standards, forcing the Warriors to play their home games abroad.

The Confederation of African Football condemned the stadium in 2021, citing a lack of adherence to international standards. Since then, the government has been working to rectify the situation. However, progress has been slow, leaving uncertainty about the timeline for completion.

Deputy Minister of Sports Emily Jesaya, while acknowledging the urgency of the situation, could not provide a specific timeline for the stadium's completion. "I cannot give a specific timeline for when the project will be completed because some factors are beyond our control, but the job will be done," she stated.

Key areas requiring improvement include the installation of bucket seats, electronic turnstiles, and CCTV cameras. The government has faced delays, with the first batch of bucket seats still awaiting delivery from Mozambique.

As Zimbabwe's national team prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the pressure is mounting to complete the stadium renovations before the March deadline. The success of the Warriors' campaign hinges on the ability to play home matches on familiar turf, with the support of their passionate fans.