PSL suspends use of Bata Stadium for matches

Zim Now Writer

The Premier Soccer League has suspended the use of Bata Stadium in Gweru in hosting league matches to allow the completion of construction work at the ground.

This follows an outcry by football stakeholders that the stadium was not yet suitable to host topflight matches after paying fans were last week forced to watch a match while standing “outside” the stadium.

In a statement released on Friday PSL Communications and Media Liaison Officer, Kudzai Bare, said:

“This serves to advise that in the interest of all football stakeholders, Bata Stadium will not be hosting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches to allow the completion of the construction work that is currently taking place at the stadium.

“We applaud Sheasham FC for embarking on such a massive project which will help change the Zimbabwean football landscape,” she said.

Bata Stadium, which is the home ground to Sheasham FC, has only hosted one PSL match, that is, the match between the Midlands-based team against Highlanders last weekend. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

The majority of the country’s stadiums are in poor condition and require significant investment to bring them up to modern standards.

Rufaro Stadium and Gwanzura Stadium, both in Harare and Sakubva Stadium in Mutare are some of the stadiums in dire need of repair and upgrade in order for them to meet the minimum Confederation of African Football standards.

Dynamos, CAPS United, Black Rhinos, Herentals, Yadah, ZPC Kariba and Cranborne Bullets, have only one functional football stadium – the National Sports Stadium in Harare.