MUTASA Central MP Innocent Benza has criticised government’s delay in installing bucket seats at the National Sports Stadium, saying it is a “public outcry” that Zimbabwe’s national team should play its games at home.
By Bhora Afrika
Benza, who owns and plays for Herentals FC, one of the clubs in Zimbabwe’s topflight league, told Sports Ministry Permanent Secretary Nicholas Moyo that he was concerned that it would take until December to complete the installation.
“Soccer is in a serious state of need. December is too far to have a whole government install bucket seats in the Nationals Sports Stadium,” Benza said.
The failure to install bucket seats at the stadium is one of the main reasons why the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has refused to approve its use for international games. This has forced Zimbabwe to host its first international home game since readmission into FIFA’s fold in Rwanda.
Benza said that football fans wanted Zimbabwe to host its home matches at the National Sports Stadium and could not wait for so long to have it approved.
The stadium’s condition has been further deteriorated by its continued use by Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams. At one point, eight topflight teams used the stadium.
Benza’s criticisms come as Harare City Council’s efforts to rehabilitate Rufaro Stadium have not been successful. This means that Zimbabwe is currently without a stadium that meets CAF’s requirements for international matches.
Benza’s call for action is likely to resonate with many Zimbabwean football fans, who are eager to see the national team playing at home again. The government should take note of Benza’s concerns and expedite the installation of bucket seats at the National Sports Stadium so that Zimbabwe can once again host international matches.