HARARE – City of Harare spokesperson Stanley Gama has drawn comparisons between Rufaro Stadium and Manchester United’s Old Trafford after facing criticism over severe water leaks in the VVIP and VIP sections of the Mbare based facility.
A video showing water gushing through the leaky roof during Sunday’s Scottland FC versus CAPS United match went viral on social media.
This sparked a backlash against Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume, who had previously claimed the stadium had been renovated to meet international standards.
In an effort to defend his boss, Gama took to X, insisting that Rufaro Stadium was ‘not bad’ because its successfully hosting large crowds during the just started Premier Soccer League matches.
He wrote on X: “Rufaro Stadium is hosting mammoth crowds without problems thanks to the City of Harare who renovated the traditional home of football and in the process bringing back top-flight football to Harare.
“It’s still work in progress, and challenges are faced, but Rufaro looking good.
“Today (Sunday), CAPS United hosted Scottland FC and the stadium was about 90 percent full.
“It speaks volumes to the great work done at the stadium for it to accommodate such a huge crowd. The City of Harare will keep improving those areas that need attention.”
When questioned about the severe leakages, Gama downplayed concerns, comparing the situation to Old Trafford.
“Even at Old Trafford, such things happen. At Rufaro, this will soon be rectified,” he responded.
His comparison comes 10 months after water was seen leaking through Old Trafford’s roof during a torrential downpour in Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal.
However, on Tuesday, Manchester United announced plans to build a new £2 billion, 100,000-capacity stadium near Old Trafford, aiming to create an “iconic” modern venue.
