Harare, (New Ziana) –Once the heartbeat of Zimbabwean sport, the National Sports Stadium now stands as a monument to what could have been a symbol of pride, due to years of neglect, delays, and broken promises.
Built in the 1980s to host the country’s biggest football matches and sporting events, the current state of the stadium reflects not only its physical deterioration, but also a larger struggle to revive Zimbabwe’s presence on the international sporting stage.
For decades, the National Sports Stadium was where Zimbabwe’s greatest sporting moments played out, yet by 2021, the continental football governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), condemned the venue as unfit to host international matches because it did not meet basic standards.
Essential upgrades, such as bucket seats, electronic turnstiles, CCTV cameras, and modern ablution facilities, were either incomplete or absent entirely.
Since then, Zimbabwe’s national football teams, including the Warriors, have been forced to play “home” games in neighbouring countries like South Africa and Uganda.
The exile has not only denied local fans the chance to cheer their teams on home soil, it has also deprived the country of revenue and the morale boost that home support brings.
Recognizing the embarrassment and economic loss, the government launched a major refurbishment project, partnering with private companies including Sakunda Holdings, to restore the stadium to CAF and FIFA standards.
Work officially began in earnest in 2024, with the clear goal of transforming the aging venue into a world-class facility capable of hosting senior international matches once more. Plans included renovating the water reticulation system, replacing outdated electrical infrastructure with energy-efficient LED lighting, installing backup power systems, and completely reconstructing the playing pitch with improved drainage and irrigation.
Bucket seating, once nonexistent, started appearing in the terraces, transforming concrete stands into safer, more comfortable viewing areas. Electronic turnstiles were also being fitted at entry points to improve crowd management and safety.
Yet progress has been slower than expected, as delays in funds disbursement, logistical challenges with procuring materials, and the sheer scale of repairs on a facility that had been neglected for years, have all contributed to a renovation timeline that keeps shifting.
Government officials have repeatedly pledged that the stadium would reopen for international fixtures. In 2024 and 2025, Ministers set targets that went unmet, stirring frustration among football fans and commentators alike. A deadline originally aimed at mid-2025 was extended to the end of that year, and later to the first quarter of 2026, with authorities assuring the public that the stadium would at last be ready before the start of the 2026 football season.
Despite visible progress, including near completion of bucket seat installation and major work on electricals and water systems advancing, uncertainty remains, with Deputy Sports Minister Emily Jesaya conceding in 2024 that no specific timeline could be given, acknowledging that some factors were beyond government control.
Fans and sports analysts have voiced their impatience, with many arguing that the slow pace reflects deeper issues of co-ordination and prioritization, and lamenting that promises of homegrown football glory feel increasingly distant.
The decline of the stadium did not occur overnight, as years of limited maintenance left critical infrastructure crumbling with CAF inspectors highlighting multiple factors, including the absence of proper seating, inadequate safety controls, outdated pitch conditions, as well as ageing support facilities such as medical rooms and changing rooms.
These problems compounded over time, and when assessments were finally made, the verdict was clear, that without comprehensive upgrades, major matches could not be held there.
Funding gaps also undermined early renovation efforts with Treasury in 2024 estimating that more than US$25 million was required to complete the revamp of the stadium, but the slow release of funds meant that contractors could not always work to full capacity.
There are signs that the tide may be turning after CAF in August last year, granted the stadium approval to host Category Two matches, which include youth international fixtures and some continental club games.
While this falls short of full Category One certification, required for senior Warriors matches, it marks a tangible step forward and a morale boost for Zimbabwean football.
Government leaders, including President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, have repeatedly emphasized the importance of finishing the job, not just for football, but for national pride. They argue that a fully functional stadium will attract tourism, create jobs, and invigorate grassroots sport.
Despite progress, key elements remain unfinished with the full installation of modern seating, completion of ablution blocks to international standards, finalized dressing and medical rooms, and final pitch preparation all essential before the stadium can be fully re-certified. Independent inspections by CAF and FIFA will determine when the venue finally earns the green light for senior matches.
Crucially, consistent funding and better project coordination between Ministries and contractors will be vital to avoid further delays with many arguing that establishing a dedicated maintenance authority for the stadium could ensure that, once reopened, it will not slip back into disrepair.
For Zimbabweans, sport, particularly football, is more than entertainment. It’s a cultural force that unites communities, inspires young athletes, and showcases national identity on the global stage. The return of international matches to the National Stadium would do more than fill seats; it would restore a sense of belonging and pride that has been missing for years.
The National Sports Stadium may have fallen on hard times, but the ongoing battle to revive it is a testament to Zimbabwe’s resilience and enduring love for the beautiful game.
With determination, accountability, and sustained effort, there is hope that the roar of local fans will once again echo through its stands, and that home soil truly becomes home for Zimbabwean football again.
New Ziana
