HARARE – Zimbabwe’s iconic Rufaro Stadium, long considered the ceremonial home of local football, is poised to make a grand return on February 11 as it prepares to host the Mayor’s Challenge Cup.
The much-anticipated match will feature archrivals Dynamos and CAPS United, igniting the enthusiasm of football fans and marking a significant moment for the stadium, which has been closed since 2019.
Mayor of Harare, Jacob Mafume, expressed confidence in the reopening, stating, “We are happy to announce that Rufaro Stadium will be opened on February 11 hosting the Mayor’s Challenge Cup.
“Yes, I know we did not meet some of our earlier deadlines, but as you can see for yourselves, everything is almost ready.”
The stadium, which has undergone renovations over the past five years, is set to welcome spectators once again.
Previous attempts to reopen the iconic venue faced obstacles, but the Mayor’s commitment suggests a promising breakthrough.
Dynamos Treasurer, Musa Gwasira, and CAPS United representative, Onismus Chawoma-Matsika, attended a meeting this Tuesday, confirming their clubs’ participation in the Mayor’s Challenge Cup.
“We are excited to come back home; the council engaged us about the match, and we can see that the stadium is almost ready, and it’s just a matter of touch-ups,” expressed Gwasira.
Meanwhile, Chawoma-Matsika emphasized the significance of Rufaro Stadium to CAPS United, saying, “Rufaro is our home, and we have good memories on this ground, and we are happy to be adding more memories shortly with matches returning this side.”
The reopening of Rufaro Stadium is expected to reignite the fierce rivalry between Dynamos and CAPS United, with football enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the inaugural Mayor’s Challenge Cup.
Proceeds from the event will be directed towards charitable causes, adding a philanthropic dimension to the historic clash.
The announcement of the reopening and the Mayor’s Challenge Cup has generated excitement among football fans, and the return of action to Rufaro Stadium is seen as a significant development for the local football scene.
The clash between Dynamos and CAPS United promises to be a thrilling spectacle, marking the revival of one of Zimbabwe’s most revered football venues.
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