Mukudzei Chingwere

Zimpapers Sports Hub

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is deeply disturbed by the homelessness of the Zimbabwe senior men’s soccer team, occasioned by the non-availability of the National Sports Stadium and has directed that this be fixed without further delays, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Anselem Sanyatwe has said.

Sanyatwe, speaking on the sidelines of yesterday’s Post Cabinet briefing emphasised that the highest office in the land will not accept any further delay from the March 2026 deadline, by which work at the National Sports Stadium is expected to have been finished.

The Warriors had to endure the tough task of playing their Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers on foreign soil, owing to the ban from hosting international matches imposed on the National Sports Stadium by the Confederation of African Football.

While they struggled to secure a win in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers in which they finished bottom of the group the Warriors had earlier punched their ticket to this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

It will be their sixth appearance at the continental biennial show-piece.

A ray of hope has filtered through the Warriors could be back at their favourite hunting ground early next year.

And yesterday, Cabinet discussed the matter and was updated on the progress around the 60 000-seater facility, which is undergoing a major facelift aimed at meeting the CAF requirements for homologation.

Minister Sanyatwe said the timelines have been communicated to the contractors and would have to be met without fail.

“The President is quite uncomfortable with Zimbabwe playing international matches out of the country, and when the President says that I know what it means,” said Sanyatwe.

“It means that the stadium must be completed and our teams start playing their home international matches at home.

“The renovations at the National Sports Stadium are at an advanced stage and I am very grateful with the progress made so far.

“However, I have personally witnessed the contractors working flat-out day and night and I have given them the deadline for them to complete all the refurbishment works.

“The stadium is supposed to be done by the beginning of the 2026 season (football).

“It should be before the beginning of the 2026 season,” said Minister Sanyatwe.

With Rufaro and Barbourfields having been long condemned by the CAF inspectors, only the National Sports Stadium, among the existing infrastructure could host international matches after the refurbishment is completed.

The strict time-lines set by the Government yesterday will ensure a return to the National Sports Stadium, even for the domestic Premiership whose Harare clubs have been congested at Rufaro and The Heart.

Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere had earlier said that Cabinet received an update report on progress made to date regarding the refurbishment of the NSS.

Muswere said the refurbishment is part of a broader endeavour to upgrade sport infrastructure across the country, in particular to ensure that local stadia satisfy conditions for hosting international events.

“Through the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, which was meant to accelerate refurbishment works, remarkable progress has been scored at the National Sports Stadium, including works on the pitch drainage, herbicide application, with lawn planting expected to commence soon,” said Muswere.

“B-Arena drainage works are also in progress. Overall progress on other works including electricals at 90 percent.”

Sanyatwe rallies Warriors

After attending Cabinet, Sanyatwe later last night visited the local contingent of the Warriors at their Harare camp, which began on Sunday and will continue until they head to Morocco.

Sanyatwe implored the Warriors to represent Zimbabwe with honour, reminding them that they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation.

The Minister told Marian “Mario’’ Marinica and his men that they must also be an inspiration to the next generation of Warriors.

“Today I have come not just as Minister, but as a messenger of 16 million Zimbabweans who believe in you,’’ Sanyatwe said.

“Each of you here has earned the honour of wearing the Warriors jersey.

“That honour is sacred. It demands discipline, humility, unity and total professionalism on the pitch, in the hotel, at training, in airports, and even on your phones.

“The Code of Conduct you have signed is not a formality; it is the standard of champions. It is the identity of a Warrior.

“Representing Zimbabwe means carrying the hopes of every young boy in the dusty streets of Nkayi, every girl training in Mutare, every supporter from Mbare to Mataga. You are their pride; you are their inspiration.”

Sanyatwe also underscored the significance of the Nations Cup.

“AFCON is not just another tournament. It is a global stage where discipline outweighs talent, where sacrifice beats ego, and where unity triumphs over individual brilliance.

“One team, one heartbeat, one mission. Fight for every inch. Respect the referee, respect your teammates, respect the badge.

“Let your football speak, let your discipline show, let your identity as Warriors shine,’’ he said.

The Minister also reiterated government support as they brace for tough duels in Morocco against Egypt, South Africa, and Angola in Group B.

“The nation stands behind you. The Government stands behind you. Go to Morocco with courage, with dignity, and with belief.

“Write a new chapter for Zimbabwean football, a chapter of pride and professionalism,” Sanyatwe said.