ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi has expressed optimism that Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe could soon host Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers and the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament after being impressed by progress made at the facility during a tour yesterday.
Magwizi made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the stadium, where he was accompanied by Zifa vice-president Loveness Mukura and executive committee members Brighton Ushendibaba, Chido Chizondo and Kudzai Kadzombe.
The delegation met local stakeholders and assessed progress on the stadium’s infrastructure.
Zimbabwe has been forced to stage its home international matches outside the country for the past few years because it has lacked CAF-approved stadiums.
However, the developments at Chahwanda Stadium have raised fresh hopes that the Warriors could soon return home.
Speaking after the tour, Magwizi commended the private investment that has transformed the facility.
“Thank you very much for the tour and thank you for the work that has gone into this facility,” he said.
“This is a masterpiece.
- Magaya’s project charms stadium expert
- Kwinji 15 impressed by emerging talent
- 24 rooms, 12 retail shops: The unique part of Chahwanda stadium
- Chahwanda Stadium progress charms stadium expert
Keep Reading
“One of the things we have been discussing with the marketing chairperson is that we need to bring more tournaments to Kwekwe.”
The Zifa president identified two major tournaments that could potentially be hosted at the stadium, including the Mukuru Four Nations Cup, featuring Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi.
The Warriors are the defending champions after defeating Zambia in March.
“There’s a possibility, once we agree with our partners, those of you who remember we had the Four Nations Mukuru Cup, there’s a possibility that we can convince our colleagues so that we can have it in Zimbabwe,” Magwizi said.
“And if we’re having it in Zimbabwe, definitely this is a viable venue for such a tournament.”
He said Zifa was also targeting Chahwanda Stadium as a venue for the 2027 Afcon qualifiers, which are scheduled to begin in September, subject to CAF approval.
“And even more, if we get the homologation out of the way, as we are working closely with CAF, we brought them here in February and they left a report.
“We’re going to invite them again. If we get that homologation done, then even our Afcon qualifiers could be here.
“So we’re grateful for the work that has gone in. We’re grateful for the sacrifice, Mr (Shepherd) Chahwanda, that you have put into football and the investment that you’ve made.”
Should the stadium receive CAF certification, it would mark a significant milestone for Zimbabwean football, allowing the Warriors to play competitive home matches on local soil for the first time in several years.
