HARARE – The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has issued a statement ‘clarifying’ the reasons behind the inability of Prophet Walter Magaya’s newly constructed The Heart Stadium to host continental club competitions.
ZIFA has revealed that the 5 000 capacitor stadium failed to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
According to ZIFA, a preliminary inspection revealed that The Heart Stadium is currently not compliant with CAF standards in several critical areas.
ZIFA’s statement comes after recent reports suggested the Normalisation Committee (NC) currently running the association following its appointment by FIFA, was reluctant to ‘negotiate’ with CAF for a waiver of the stadium.
Consequently, Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars representing Zimbabwe in the inter-clubs competitions will now host their opponents in foreign land.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association wishes to address the recent misleading reports regarding the status of Heart Stadium and its capability to host Ngezi Platinum Stars’ and Dynamos FC’s preliminary fixtures in their respective CAF competitions.
“The Association would like to clarify that all necessary procedures were meticulously followed by the Club Licencing Department, in accordance with CAF directives, to try and assist the clubs to play their home games in Zimbabwe,” reads ZIFA’s statement.
“However, during preliminary inspections, Heart Stadium was unable to produce a Stadium Safety and Security Certificate as required by the process. Consequently, the facility could not be sanctioned.
“Additionally, the stadium lacks a media tribune, a designated area for vulnerable people, and its ablution facilities do not meet the required standards.
“We trust this statement clarifies the situation and rectifies any misinformation that has been circulating.”
Currently, Zimbabwe has no approved stadium fit to host international matches after all stadiums in the country were condemned by the continental football governing body.
Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars will now host their opponents in Botswana and Zambia respectively.
