Sakubva Stadium upgrade set to take longer than an...

Sakubva Stadium upgrade set to take longer than anticipated

Zim Now Writer

Work on the upgrading of Sakubva Stadium in Mutare will take longer than anticipated amid revelations that the laying of the new turf is only expected to be complete by January next year.

The poor state of Sakubva Stadium has robbed Manicaland of Premier League football with Mutare-based Manica Diamonds being forced to play their home matches away from home.

There is, however, no good news as the wait for the return of topflight football in the eastern border city will continue at least until January next year.

“We took a very bold decision to invest in the upgrading of our Sakubva Stadium. For the past three to four years, our stadium was suspended from hosting PSL matches as it did not meet required standards. We then suspended matches to lay a new turf in the stadium.

“We have been assured by our contractor that in the next seven months, we should be able to host PSL matches using a CAF standard turf. The investment is not enough as we want to put buckets seats. The project will take about three years to meet full requirements. The turf removed from Sakubva has been laid in Chisamba Grounds where Division One matches will be played,” said Mutare Town Clerk Blessing Chafesuka.

Manica Diamonds cannot wait for the completion of the renovations.

“The progress at Sakubva is pleasing. I visited the stadium three to four times and I have seen that the contractor is making progress. We are also happy that Chisamba Ground is also being upgraded,” said Manica Diamonds FC chairperson Masimba Chihiwa.

The broader objective of the local authority is not only to meet the PSL requirements but also Confederation of African Football standards.