MUTARE-Chipinge’s Green Fuel Stadium scores a first in Manicaland after
getting the nod to host top flight soccer matches in the province, with the home
team’s win against Sheasham last weekend putting icing on the cake.
Chipinge born, Ethanol Boys coach, Rodwell Dhlakama is delighted to be
coaching football in his home area after leading Green Fuel to a one-nil victory
over Sheasham in their first match playing at Green Fuel stadium in
Chisumbanje last week.
The newly refurbished stadium was recently approved to host topflight matches
and it opened its doors on Saturday to a rousing crowd that wanted to catch a
glimpse of the action and the home team did not disappoint.
The approval comes at a time when the league debutants had been travelling to
Triangle’s Gibbo Stadium for their home matches.
The stadium has a carrying capacity of 10 000 people.
Greenfuel spokesperson, Merit Rumema told Pungwe Sport that the ZIFA First
Instance Board cleared Greenfuel Stadium following an inspection done the
previous week.
“The Greenfuel Stadium could not host Premier Soccer League games because
of its condition at the onset of the current season. It did not meet required
minimum standards required by First Instance Board and has been going
through renovations. As a result, Green Fuel was forced to use Gibbo Stadium
in Triangle as their home ground,” said Rumema
The renovations started in October last year.
The scope of work at the stadium included a splash green turf, modern gender
inclusive changing rooms, roofed watching stands, a perimeter wall around the
stadium, a media box and water drainage.
“Greenfuel Arena have gone through massive development and have been
cleared to host top flight matches.  The FIB came last week and gave us the
green light. We are very excited about this development,” she said.
Playing at Greenfuel Stadium will reduce Greenfuel FC’s traveling costs.

Chipinge locals will also have an opportunity to watch their favourite team in
action at their home ground.