NSS, Harare – National Sports Stadium Renovation has entered its final stage, with the country’s flagship sporting facility now on the brink of fully reopening after Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Lieutenant General (Retired) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe conducted an inspection of the ongoing rehabilitation works.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the remarkable progress achieved at the National Sports Stadium, revealing that the football turf has now been fully completed and is in a playable condition. He said the remaining major component of the project is the installation of the athletics tartan track, with works expected to commence shortly.
The near completion of the National Sports Stadium renovation reflects the Government’s commitment to implementing the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places sport, recreation, arts and culture at the centre of national development. By investing in modern sporting infrastructure, Zimbabwe is creating opportunities for youth empowerment, talent development, employment creation and sports tourism while strengthening the country’s capacity to host regional and international sporting events. The upgraded stadium is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth, community development and increased private sector investment in sport.
The project also aligns with President His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle income economy through modern infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth. Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Government has prioritised the rehabilitation of strategic national infrastructure across key sectors, including transport, health, education and sport. The transformation of the National Sports Stadium stands as one of the flagship achievements under the Second Republic, reaffirming the President’s commitment to restoring Zimbabwe’s status as a competitive destination for international sport while providing world class facilities for current and future generations of Zimbabwean athletes.
The inspection marks another significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s efforts to restore one of its most important sporting facilities to international standards after years of renovations aimed at addressing concerns raised by continental football authorities.
Speaking during the inspection, Minister Sanyatwe said the pace and quality of work demonstrate the Government’s commitment to modernising sports infrastructure in line with the country’s development agenda.
“The progress we have witnessed is encouraging. The football playing surface has been completed and is now in a playable state. The remaining task is the athletics tartan surface, and work on that component will begin shortly,” he said.
The rehabilitation programme has transformed the stadium’s playing surface, creating a world class pitch capable of hosting high profile domestic and international football matches.
Once the tartan track is completed, the National Sports Stadium will also be ready to accommodate athletics competitions, school championships, regional meets and international events, restoring its position as Zimbabwe’s premier multi purpose sporting venue.
The completion of the project is expected to bring relief to Zimbabwean football stakeholders, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of international matches to the country. For several years, national teams have been forced to host home fixtures outside Zimbabwe after the stadium failed to meet Confederation of African Football requirements.
The reopening of the National Sports Stadium will significantly reduce the financial burden associated with hosting international matches abroad while restoring home advantage for the Zimbabwe senior men’s national football team, the Mighty Warriors and local clubs participating in CAF competitions.
Beyond football, the upgraded facility is expected to become a hub for athletics, concerts, cultural festivals and national celebrations, contributing to sports tourism and economic activity.
The stadium rehabilitation forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to improve sporting infrastructure across Zimbabwe. Investment in modern facilities is viewed as essential for nurturing talent, attracting international events and positioning the country as a competitive sporting destination in Southern Africa.
Sports analysts believe the upgraded stadium will also inspire young athletes by providing facilities that meet international standards.
The new football turf has been installed using modern technology designed to withstand intensive use while ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the year. The quality of the surface is expected to benefit both local league matches and international fixtures.
Attention now shifts to the athletics tartan track, a crucial component for track and field competitions. Once completed, Zimbabwe’s athletics community will once again have access to a certified venue capable of hosting national championships and regional competitions.
Officials overseeing the project indicated that preparations for the installation of the tartan surface are already underway, with works scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
The successful completion of both the football pitch and athletics track will strengthen Zimbabwe’s chances of regaining approval to host international sporting events.
Sports infrastructure has become a key pillar of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1, with Government prioritising facilities that promote youth development, health, recreation and economic growth through sport.
Minister Sanyatwe reaffirmed the Government’s determination to ensure the project reaches completion as quickly as possible without compromising quality.
The near completion of the National Sports Stadium renovation has generated excitement among football supporters, athletes and sports administrators who have long anticipated the return of international sport to Zimbabwe.
Once all outstanding works have been concluded and the necessary inspections conducted, the facility is expected to resume hosting major sporting events, marking the beginning of a new era for Zimbabwean sport.
The completion of the National Sports Stadium will not only restore national pride but also reinforce Zimbabwe’s ambition to become a leading destination for sport, recreation, arts and cultural events in the region.
For sports lovers across the country, the latest inspection signals that the long wait is almost over.
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