National Sports Stadium Wins CAF Category 3 Approval, Paving Way for Major International Matches

Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium in Harare has been cleared to host major international football matches after securing CAF Category 3 approval.

The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture announced the development following a recent technical inspection, describing it as a major step towards restoring international football to Zimbabwean soil.

The approval allows the stadium to host a range of continental and international fixtures, subject to the specific requirements of individual competitions.

International Football Returns to Harare

With the Category 3 classification, the National Sports Stadium is now eligible to host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches.

The venue can also stage Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, as well as other competitions that require Category 3 facilities.

The development comes after years of restrictions that prevented Zimbabwe from using its premier football venue for major international matches because of infrastructure and compliance shortcomings.

Stadium Rehabilitation Gets Government Praise

The government attributed the approval to progress made during the stadium’s rehabilitation programme, which is aimed at restoring the facility to its position as Zimbabwe’s leading football venue.

The rehabilitation is linked to the country’s National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030, which prioritise the improvement of sports infrastructure.

The ministry said the development also supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of allowing Zimbabwean football fans to watch major international matches on home soil.

Sakunda Holdings Recognised

The government also acknowledged Sakunda Holdings for supporting the stadium’s rehabilitation.

The company contributed towards improvements to the playing surface and the installation of bucket seats.

According to the ministry, the upgrades have improved the stadium’s functionality, appearance and overall spectator experience.

The government said the partnership demonstrated how private-sector investment can complement public funding in the development of major national infrastructure.

CAF Recognises Progress

The ministry also praised the Zimbabwe Football Association for providing technical support throughout the rehabilitation and compliance process.

CAF reportedly acknowledged the work undertaken by the government and ZIFA to address issues raised during previous inspections.

However, Zimbabwe has been urged to maintain the momentum and complete the remaining priority works to ensure the stadium continues to meet international standards.

The Category 3 approval therefore marks a significant milestone, but not the end of the stadium’s rehabilitation programme.

Fans Urged to Support Local Football

The government has called on football supporters, businesses, sporting organisations and the media to support the revival of international football in Zimbabwe.

Supporters have been encouraged to attend matches, back the Warriors and local clubs, and help protect and maintain the country’s sporting facilities.

The return of major international football to the National Sports Stadium is expected to give Zimbabwean fans the opportunity to watch high-profile matches at home while providing a boost to the country’s football industry.