Zimbabwe's National Sports Stadium cleared for international football

Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium has received CAF Category Three approval, clearing the venue to host international football and ending the Warriors’ long absence from home matches. The decision brings Zimbabwe closer to staging its next home international assignment in the country.

The Zimbabwe Football Association welcomed the approval as a major step for the national game. Restoring an internationally approved stadium had been identified as a priority by the association’s executive committee when it began its tenure.

The stadium’s rehabilitation involved the Zimbabwean government, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Sports and Recreation Commission, sponsors and other partners. Zifa also recognised the role of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, minister Anselem Sanyatwe and permanent secretary Nicholas Moyo in the process.

CAF and FIFA provided technical guidance during the assessment and approval process. Zifa said the certification marked progress, while stressing that further work would be needed to preserve and improve the facility.

The approval is particularly significant for supporters who have watched Zimbabwe’s supposed home fixtures take place outside the country for several years. The Warriors were forced to use overseas venues while the National Sports Stadium remained unavailable for approved international matches.

That period is now over, with Zimbabwean fans set to have the opportunity to watch the national team at home again. The return of the stadium to international use restores a key venue for Zimbabwean football and gives the Warriors a local base for their upcoming home assignment.