Poor maintenance costs BF stadium Warriors Match
BULAWAYO – The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe Warriors and Botswana initially scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium has been moved to the National Sports Stadium in Harare over flood light failure.
The match had been pencilled for Bulawayo on November 15 but poor infrastructure has denied the City of Kings and Queens the opportunity to host the national football team.
ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said:
“The decision to move the match follows communication from the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) on the issue of floodlights at Barbourfields Stadium where they could not guarantee their good working order as they were last put to use in 2017 during the COSAFA Women’s Championship.”
“In the absence of such a guarantee and in pursuit of conformance with their minimum requirements, CAF has switched the match to the National Sports Stadium to avoid potential of flood light failure during the match-a situation that could trigger security risk to the fans, players and officials.”
– Xolisani Gwesela
“ZIFA had pleaded with the continental mother body to move the match to 1500hrs on the same day, but CAF could not grant the request as all qualifiers, across Africa, will be played at 1800hrs.”
– Xolisani Gwesela
Zimbabwe will be looking to make a statement of intent about their ambitions to qualify for the AFCON when they make a date with the Zebras.
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