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Rufaro Stadium on Brink of Condemnation: A Threat to Zimbabwe’s Football Scene

In a shocking turn of events, Rufaro Stadium, the iconic home of Zimbabwean football, is facing the very real possibility of condemnation due to its deteriorating condition. Just one year after reopening its doors to host top-flight matches, the stadium is struggling to cope with the demands of elite fixtures, posing a significant danger to players. The pitch is visibly damaged, and the facility’s overall state is a far cry from the standards expected of a premier sports venue.

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume has expressed his deep concerns about the stadium’s condition, warning that if renovations are not carried out promptly, Rufaro Stadium could be barred from hosting top-tier matches. "Two weeks is too long. The renovations must be done because the stadium is about to be condemned again," Mafume emphasized during a recent council meeting. This would leave Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams in Harare, including Dynamos, CAPS United, Herentals, and Scottland FC, without a home ground, unless the City Council takes swift action to upgrade the facility.

Despite a partnership announced earlier this year between the council and Scottland FC to renovate the stadium, no notable improvements have been made. The installation of bucket seats, electronic turnstiles, and a modern scoreboard, all promised by Mafume, remain incomplete. This lack of progress has not only dashed hopes of hosting international matches but also reflects the broader decline of sports facilities under the Harare City Council (HCC). Many of these facilities are in deplorable condition, a situation that Mafume admits is embarrassing. "The state of City Sports–let us look at them. Every time, I have to apologise when I arrive at any council facility. It is not nice. The place does not look good, but there are simple things we should fix," he lamented.

The potential condemnation of Rufaro Stadium serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Zimbabwe’s sports infrastructure. As the country strives to promote its football scene and attract international competitions, the condition of its stadiums remains a significant obstacle. With the fate of Rufaro Stadium hanging in the balance, it is imperative that the Harare City Council and relevant stakeholders take immediate action to address the facility’s shortcomings and ensure that Zimbabwe’s football heritage is preserved for generations to come. The clock is ticking, and the future of Zimbabwean football depends on it.