HARARE – The City of Harare, through Mayor Jacob Mafume, has announced a partnership with Scottland FC to renovate the iconic Rufaro Stadium in Mbare to meet CAF’s international standards.
The development was revealed during a full council meeting held at Town House on Wednesday.
In a statement shared on its official Facebook page, the City of Harare confirmed that Scottland FC, owned by legislator Scott Sakupwanya, has pledged to improve the stadium’s condition further.
“Scottland Football Club has pledged to further improve the state of Rufaro Stadium and will enter into a lease agreement with the City of Harare.
“Scottland says together with their partners, they will make sure Rufaro Stadium is upgraded to international standards before the end of the year.
“Other Premier League teams will continue using the stadium as before with the same rates applying contrary to misleading reports Rufaro will be beyond the reach of other clubs who use it.”
However, the proposed agreement has faced strong resistance from some councillors.
They argue that Scottland FC should not be granted a lease for Rufaro Stadium, especially after already being allocated Number 1 Ground in Mabvuku, Sakupwanya’s constituency, to build its own stadium.
Instead, the councillors suggest that Scottland FC should be offered other dilapidated stadiums, such as Dzivarasekwa or Gwanzura, for redevelopment.
Sources close to the negotiations reveal Scottland FC is willing to invest significant funds in exchange for a lease deal expected to last between 15 to 20 years.
However, the deal could end up hitting a snag if the opposing councillors refuse to approve it.
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