Why Magaya’s Heart Stadium Cannot Host CAF Matches
Heart Stadium was unable to produce a Stadium Safety and Security Certificate as required.
Why Magaya’s Heart Stadium Cannot Host CAF Matches
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has explained why Prophet Walter Magaya’s new Heart Stadium is not fit to host international matches.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially inaugurated the stadium in 2023. The Heart Stadium, upon completion, is designed to accommodate 40,000 spectators. It is part of a larger sports complex with an aquatics centre, a football hall of fame, and track and field facilities.
ZIFA clarified why The Heart Stadium cannot host CAF games stating that the 5,000-capacity stadium did not meet the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to ZIFA, a preliminary inspection showed that The Heart Stadium does not comply with several essential CAF standards.
ZIFA wrote: “However, during preliminary inspections, Heart Stadium was unable to produce a Stadium Safety and Security Certificate as required by the process. Consequently, the facility could not be sanctioned.”
Why Magaya’s Heart Stadium Cannot Host CAF Matches
They added that: “… the stadium lacks a media tribune, a designated area for vulnerable people, and its ablution facilities do not meet the required standards.”
Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars, representing Zimbabwe in inter-club competitions, will have to play their home games abroad.
Dembare will play at Botswana’s National Stadium in the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round against ZESCO United.
Heart Stadium Project Leaves Magaya Broke
Ngezi Platinum is still pondering a venue outside Zimbabwe for its Champions League campaign.
Zimbabwe has failed to rehabilitate its stadia and other sports facilities leading to their dereliction. The National Sports Stadium and Rufaro Stadium have been condemned as unfit to host international matches.
