The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has provided clarification on why the newly inaugurated Heart Stadium, owned by Prophet Walter Magaya, will not be hosting CAF (Confederation of African Football) matches. Despite its grand opening by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2023 and its impressive 40,000-seat capacity, the Heart Stadium does not meet the necessary requirements for CAF-sanctioned games.
In an official statement, ZIFA addressed recent reports suggesting that the Heart Stadium could serve as a venue for CAF fixtures involving Zimbabwean clubs Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos FC. According to ZIFA, preliminary inspections revealed that the stadium does not comply with several critical CAF standards.
ZIFA’s statement emphasized that despite thorough efforts by the Club Licensing Department to ensure compliance with CAF regulations, the stadium fell short in several key areas. The inspection process highlighted the following issues:
1. **Lack of Stadium Safety and Security Certificate**: The stadium was unable to provide this essential certificate, which is crucial for hosting international matches.
2. **Missing Facilities**: The Heart Stadium lacks a media tribune, a designated area for vulnerable individuals, and its ablution facilities do not meet the required standards set by CAF.
Due to these deficiencies, ZIFA has stated that the Heart Stadium cannot be sanctioned for CAF competitions. As a result, Zimbabwean clubs like Dynamos FC and Ngezi Platinum Stars will need to find alternative venues for their home fixtures in international tournaments.
For the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round, Dynamos FC (commonly known as Dembare) will be playing their home games at Botswana’s National Stadium against ZESCO United, as reported by Soccer24. ZIFA’s statement aims to address and correct any misinformation regarding the Heart Stadium’s ability to host CAF games, underlining the importance of adhering to established standards for international football events.
In other news – Ugandan national detained over Lula Lula toys
In a recent development in Masvingo, a 24-year-old Ugandan national named Tom Ssekamwa has been arrested following the discovery of several lula lula toys and assorted items in his possession. The arrest took place on August 1, 2024, after the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) acted on an anonymous tip-off.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Ssekamwa appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates Court facing charges related to the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act. The police, responding to the tip-off, conducted a search at the Backpackers Rest Budget Accommodation in Masvingo, where they allegedly found adult toys and a lubricant for men in Ssekamwa’s bag. Read More
