Rufaro Stadium closed again, dysfunctional turnstiles spark concern

HARARE – Iconic football venue Rufaro Stadium has been closed once more barely a week after reopening its gates following a temporary approval by ZIFA’s First Instance Body (FIB).

Dysfunctional turnstiles were reportedly cited as a major reason for the closure of the Mbare based facility that has not been functioning since 2019.

These malfunctioning turnstiles led to long queues as fans failed to get easy access into the stadium, causing delays in matches played over the weekend.

Authorities have closed the stadium once again as it awaits re-inspection from the FIB.

“The homologation of Rufaro Stadium was temporary. The venue is set for re-inspection by the FBI,” confirmed the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Media Liaison Officer Kudzai Bare.

This will result in Harare teams namely; Dynamos, CAPS United, Yadah FC and Herentals FC seeking alternative venues in their upcoming Week 5 fixtures at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Yadah are confident their recently built 5 000 capacity venue, The Heart Stadium, will pass ZIFA’s FIB inspection and be granted permission to host PSL matches.

The club reportedly invited the FIB for inspection today (Wednesday) with the hope of hosting a star studded side, Simba Bhora on Saturday.

“We have invited the FIB to inspect the (Heart) stadium and we are optimistic it will pass the test.

“We are looking forward to playing our next game against Simba Bhora on Saturday at the venue,” the club’s chairman Everson Chatambudza revealed to Zimpapers.