…Gambe calls for a multi-sectoral approach to help Council  

Ngoni Dapira

MUTARE City Council has affirmed its commitment to complete the renovations of Sakubva Stadium before the start of the 2019 Premier League Season.

This was revealed yesterday (Wednesday) by Mutare Mayor Councillor Blessing Tandi during a review meeting of the local authority’s 100 days plans of last year, which ran from September 27 up to December 31.

Last year the PSL grounds committee condemned Sakubva Stadium after concluding that it needed a major revamp for it to meet the required standards. Concerns were raised over the state of the dressing rooms, turf, drainage system, goalposts, tunnels and perimeter fencing which it said needed to be renovated.

Clr Tandi they were very optimistic to finish renovations before the start of the season. The 2019 PSL is expected to start in the second week of March with the fixtures likely to be out on January 25.

Debutants in the top flight league, the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) bankrolled team Manica Diamonds FC will be forced to find an alternative home at Rusape’s Vengere Stadium if Mutare Council fails to complete the renovations.

“Following numerous statements circulating around different social media and convectional media platforms from football fanatics in Mutare, concerning delays in the construction of Sakubva Stadium, Mutare City would like to set the record straight and further outline the steps being taken to complete the project. As Mutare City we are committed to scale up the renovation of Sakubva Stadium to meet the required standards as required by the Premier Soccer League,” said the Mayor.

Clr Tandi said the delays experienced last year were due to macro-economic issues beyond their control which resulted in shortages of construction material in the market, particularly cement.

“We however anticipate that the construction of the wall will be completed by end of February 2019. So far about 80 percent of the perimeter wall has been completed and only 154 metres out of 751 metres is yet to be completed. Sakubva stadium is one of the projects which is under our 100 days plan and we are putting our hands on the rail to ensure that the project is taken as a priority,” he said.

He said they have adequate manpower and artisans on the ground to speed up the works as soon as they acquire the required materials.

Clr Tandi however said they have since opened their doors for collaboration with interested stakeholders and invites were extended to corporate and institutions and individuals but to date no one has come on board.

Manica Diamonds FC executive with their new signing Wisdom Mutasa, the son of football great cum coach Lloyd Mutasa during the unveiling press conference early this month.

Early this month former Zimbabwe Football Association women soccer league  board member and football fanatic,Cecilia Gambe ,during a press conference by Manica Diamonds FC, called on a multi-sectoral approach to help Council raise funds for successful completion of the required renovations. Gambe said as Mutare football fans it would be unacceptable for the team to move to Rusape.

“I am a football person and I love this sport to the bone. Personally I feel we would have been robbed if Manica Diamonds fails to use Sakubva stadium. We want the team to remain here…There is need for a multi-sectoral approach to help Council. If it means resorting to a buy a brick campaign by fans then let’s initiate the campaign. The team needs its 12th player, the supporters, of which most of them are from Mutare,” said Gambe.

The prominent socialite known to speak her mind also blasted ZCDC for failing to have a hand in renovating the stadium. “It’s an insult to the people of Manicaland that ZCDC is not able to channel any funds towards Sakubva Stadium renovations. Such a big diamond company failing to chip in on such a community project, it’s really an insult and as custodians of the game in Manicaland we should unite to take up the matter to our politicians who can maybe assist us, the likes of our resident Minister,” said Gambe.

The Manica Diamonds secretary general who is also the ZCDC head of public relations and community development, Sugar Chagonda during the same press conference revealed that the priority project for the diamond company at the moment was the renovation of the Sakubva Produce Market.

“As ZCDC we are currently involved in a lot of projects so in terms of our budget we are currently constrained. In terms of the stadium we would have wanted to put some money but with what is on the ground economically we don’t have the capacity…Sakubva Produce Market is our priority at the moment. Our commitment to football and Manicaland is shown by us financing this team (Manica Diamonds),” responded Chagonda.

Mutare City said its 100 days plan review was in line with the Government’s initiative of establishing quick-wins through the 100 days target programmes, expected to chart a new service delivery provision and restore rate payers’ confidence. He said execution of this year’s first 100 days plans should start in February.