Shingi Matibiri, Sports Reporter
The return of the domestic in Zimbabwe after two years of inactivity due to Covid-19 faces a stadium crisis with most of the facilities failing to meet the minimum standards.
The Premier Soccer League 2021/2022 season is set to resume this weekend after almost two years but there is a crisis with the two major cities Harare and Bulawayo only having one stadium each which can host top flight league matches.
Harare only has the National Sports stadium which was even banned by CAF to host international matches with Rufaro stadium, Gwanzura stadium, Morris Depot and others having been condemned by the ZIFA first instance board which approves the stadiums in accordance with CAF club licensing standards.
Harare has seven teams in the PSL, Dynamos, Caps United, Harare City, Black Rhinos, Cranborne Bullets, Yadah and Herentals and will all be using the National Sports stadium.
In Bulawayo four clubs, Highlanders, Chicken Inn, Bulawayo Chiefs and Bulawayo City will use Barbourfields stadium with Luveve and White City stadiums still to pass the test.
Ascot stadium in Gweru home to returnees WhaWha is in bad shape while Sakubva stadium in Mutare is still to be approved by the first instance board although it hosted the Chibuku Super Cup matches.
Nyamhunga stadium home of ZPC Kariba is also still to be approved with little renovations having taken place in the past year since it was condemned.
Mandava stadium the home ground of champions FC Platinum, Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Baobab stadium and Triangle’s Gibbo stadium are the only stadiums outside the major cities which are in good shape.
