…Casts wide net for corporate financiers that can help raise additional US$1.5 million for renovations

Evidence Chenjerai

CITY of Mutare town clerk Blessing Chafesuka revealed that regrettably Sakubva Stadium will not be able to host the 2026 Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches due to anticipated renovations expected to start soon. He however said after the anticipated renovations the windfall is that the stadium will be able to host national and international soccer matches as a world class certified venue.

This was revealed on Monday by the City of Mutare town clerk Blessing Chafesuka during a press briefing on the approved 2026 budget. Mutare’s Castle Lager Premiership outfit, Manica Diamonds will have to find another home ground for the 2026 season.

He said the highly anticipated bucket seats for the stadium are on the way from China and should arrive in the country within the next six to 10 weeks. The town clerk said he went with Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) officials to China and the bucket seats were certified to meet international standards.

“When the bucket seats arrive we will then start on the fitting in the stadium which may take about five months. This is why we will not be able to accommodate any matches this season,” said Chafesuka.

He added that this will give them time to also upgrade the recently burnt down changing rooms, to upgrade the toilets and refurbish the old VIP section which will be extended to include a VVIP section and a media booth section.

He also called on the private sector in Mutare to take up the open call for a joint venture to refurbish to stadium using the recently pronounced government rebate facility of 150 percent for any private company that invests in upgrading public sporting infrastructure.

The 150 percent rebate facility for sports investments is a tax incentive that was proposed by the government in the 2026 National Budget to encourage private sector investment in the development and upgrading of sports infrastructure. This initiative aims to address the lack of Confederation of African Football (CAF) certified stadiums in the country, which has over the years forced national teams to play home matches abroad.