NEWSDAY Life & Style journalist Tendai Sauta (ND) speaks with Farai Chigwedere (FC) a sports administrator and event general manager for the Stade Abdoulaye Wade, one of the key venues for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games scheduled for October 13 to November 13, 2026.
The discussion focuses on venue readiness, operational challenges, legacy planning and Africa’s historic role in hosting its first Olympic event.
ND: Please introduce your role at the stadium ahead of Dakar 2026.
FC: I serve as event general manager at Stade Abdoulaye Wade, a 50 000-seat venue in Dakar.
We are preparing it to host major competitions, including the opening ceremony and selected sporting events.
My role covers overall coordination, operational readiness and integration across security, logistics, and ceremonies to ensure the venue meets Olympic standards.
Keep Reading
- Dakar progress report takes centre stage at IOC session
- Dakar 2026's Ayo takes centre stage at the Olympic Winter Games
- IOC names young reporters for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
- Youth Olympic Games enter final delivery phase
ND: What does hosting Africa’s first Olympic event mean to you?
FC: It is historic. Being part of the first Olympic event hosted in Africa is a major milestone.
For the stadium team, it represents pride, responsibility and an opportunity to showcase African capability in delivering world-class sport infrastructure and operations.
ND: What makes the stadium suitable for Olympic-level competition?
FC: The stadium is Fifa-compliant and built to international standards.
It includes modern changing rooms, recovery areas, media facilities and athlete support spaces.
These features allow us to meet the operational demands of elite international competition.
ND: What upgrades have been done for Dakar 2026?
FC: Key improvements include pitch enhancements, spectator flow adjustments and upgraded operational zones for security and media.
Additional temporary infrastructure is being installed to support the opening ceremony and increase visitor capacity.
ND: What are the biggest operational challenges?
FC: Co-ordination is the biggest challenge, that is security, transport and crowd management must align perfectly.
We are working closely with local authorities, including security agencies, to ensure safe access and smooth movement for athletes and spectators.
ND: What legacy will the Games leave?
FC: The strongest legacy is human capital.
Through initiatives like a Learning Academy, young Africans are being trained in sports administration and events management.
This creates a new generation of professionals beyond the Games themselves.
ND: What lessons can other African countries learn?
FC: The key lesson is that Africa can host major global events successfully.
Collaboration, investment in infrastructure and a strong legacy mindset are essential.
Multi-purpose venues that serve communities after events are especially important.
ND: What is your final message to fans in Zimbabwe and across Africa?
FC: I encourage everyone to follow and support the Youth Olympic Games.
It is the first time this Olympic format is coming to Africa.
Fans should celebrate young athletes and recognise this as a defining moment for African sport.