Zimbabwe football stadia unfit for international games ―caf

A very relevant and timely topic!

According to a recent report by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), several football stadia in Zimbabwe are deemed unfit to host international matches. This is a major concern for the country's football authorities, as it may impact their ability to host international games and potentially affect their chances of qualifying for major tournaments.

The report, which was released in August 2022, highlighted several issues with the stadia, including:

  1. Poor lighting: Many of the stadia lack adequate lighting, which is a critical safety concern for players and spectators.
  2. Inadequate seating: Some stadia have inadequate seating capacity, which can lead to overcrowding and safety risks.
  3. Poor drainage: The report noted that several stadia have poor drainage systems, which can lead to waterlogged pitches and safety issues.
  4. Lack of facilities: Some stadia lack basic facilities such as changing rooms, showers, and medical facilities.
  5. Safety concerns: The report highlighted concerns about the safety of spectators, including issues with crowd control and emergency response planning.

The CAF report identified several stadia that require significant upgrades or renovations to meet international standards. These stadia include:

  1. National Sports Stadium (Harare): This is Zimbabwe's largest stadium, with a capacity of over 60,000. However, it lacks adequate lighting and has poor drainage.
  2. Rufaro Stadium (Harare): This stadium has a capacity of around 35,000, but it lacks basic facilities and has poor lighting.
  3. Barbourfields Stadium (Bulawayo): This stadium has a capacity of around 35,000, but it lacks adequate seating and has poor drainage.
  4. Mandava Stadium (Zvishavane): This stadium has a capacity of around 15,000, but it lacks basic facilities and has poor lighting.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has acknowledged the report's findings and has pledged to work with the government and other stakeholders to address the issues. However, the process of upgrading or renovating the stadia is likely to be lengthy and costly.

In the meantime, Zimbabwe's football teams may be forced to play their international matches away from home, which could impact their performance and chances of success.