By Tapiwa Chawagarira
CHAHWANDA Stadium, home to Castle Lager Premier Soccer League side Hardrock FC, has emerged as a top priority for the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) as it seeks Confederation of African Football (CAF) approval to host international matches.
The 15,000-seat facility in Kwekwe has undergone several assessments by CAF inspectors and consultants. ZIFA is now preparing for an additional inspection after the continental football governing body identified several issues that require attention.
The stadium is about 213km from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, exceeding CAF’s reported 200km requirement, while the closer Kwekwe airport does not qualify as an international gateway.
ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has expressed confidence in the progress made at the stadium and emphasised the association’s determination to see Chahwanda Stadium certified for international football.
He noted the excitement following the National Sports Stadium’s accreditation for international football and said efforts were now focused on securing similar approval for Chahwanda Stadium.
“Yes, that’s a priority. As ZIFA, we are committed to ensuring Chahwanda is accredited. We are in constant communication with CAF and the local stadium team to address the identified issues quickly and get the stadium approved. It’s a top priority to have Chahwanda online and ready for international fixtures,” he said.
Magwizi’s remarks underscore ZIFA’s commitment to the Kwekwe facility, especially as Zimbabwe aims to end the long-standing practice of the Warriors playing home international matches abroad due to the lack of a CAF-approved venue.
The June review by ZIFA covered key areas of the stadium, including VVIP and VIP sections, accommodation, kitchen, conference facilities, and the B and C arenas.
However, the stadium’s accreditation remains pending CAF’s final assessment and cannot yet be considered fully approved for senior international matches.
The latest inspection process has involved Hardrock FC and stadium management addressing technical requirements highlighted by CAF. Hardrock board member Charles Chahwanda stated after a July inspection that only a few minor areas needed attention and that corrective work was already underway.
“We have just a few routine issues to address, and work is already in progress. We remain optimistic,” Chahwanda said.
He added that some inspection team members had previously visited the facility and were able to appreciate the improvements made since their last assessment.
Beyond its potential to host Warriors matches, Chahwanda Stadium has already established itself as a key venue for domestic football, serving as the home ground for Hardrock FC’s Premier Soccer League campaign.
