CAF explain NSS ban reprieve

THE Confederation of African Football (CAF) has explained the lifting of the ban on the use of the National Sports Stadium ahead of back-to-back clashes between the Warriors and Algeria set for next month.

In a letter to ZIFA secretary-general Joseph Mamutse on Wednesday, the CAF General Secretary, Abdelmounaim Bah advised ZIFA of the lifting of the ban on the giant stadium after going through the pre-inspection reports for National Sports Stadium and Barbourfields Stadium submitted by ZIFA.

However, Barbourfields Stadium remains banned.

The correspondence should be sweet news to ZIFA as it follows a February 2020 ban on all the stadiums in Zimbabwe from hosting international football matches.

That ban meant the Warriors will have to play their next 2021 AFCON qualifier against Algeria on neutral soil but the Covid-19 lockdown delays forced the match to be moved from March to 16 November, giving ZIFA time ample time to renovate the stadiums.

However, the match is likely to be played in an empty stadium because of Covid-19 inspired health regulations.

“We confirm the receipt of reports and photos evidences of the concerned stadiums. With relation to Barbourfields stadium, based on the information received, the decision is to uphold the ban for use in CAF Men’s Senior matches.

“On the other hand, we are satisfied to see the progress made in the National Sports Stadium in order to bring the venue to the required standard. Therefore, CAF has decided to remove the ban…”

However, in their correspondence, CAF insisted that the approval of the NSS is temporary and a lot needs to be done before the stadium gets permanent approval.

They insisted that ZIFA works on the continuation of implementation of the remarks made in their previous inspection visits.

CAF noted that, in order for a stadium to be permanently approved for the level of CAF Men’s Senior competitions, the following are “MUST HAVEs” that have to be in place

• High quality of pitch (Natural or Artificial) In case of Artificial Turf, provide a FIFA Field Certificate which cannot be older than 2 years

• Stadium Safety Certificate issued by local authorities which cannot be older than 2 years

• Teams and Officials Benches There should be two team substitutes’ benches and one official bench of high-quality materials.

• International standard, clean and decent dressing rooms Stadiums should provide spacious and high-quality dressing rooms and other facilities to ensure that players and match officials can carry out their activities in comfort and safety

• Sanitary facilities for spectators Sufficient clean and hygienic sanitary facilities for both sexes must be distributed throughout all sectors of the stadium

• For evening matches, floodlights of at least 1200 LUX; For matches that will not be played during daylight and which will be played under floodlight: A Minimum horizontal illuminance of 1200 Lux should be provided all over the pitch.

• Individual seats in all the sectors of the stadium; Seats for spectators must be individual, fixed (e.g. to the floor), separated from one another, shaped, numbered, made of an unbreakable and non-flammable material, and have a backrest of a minimum height of thirty (30) cm when measured from the seat.

• Stadium control room (VOC) A control room which has an overall view of the inside of the stadium and which must be equipped with public address facilities and television surveillance monitor screens.

• Media Facilities All Media Facilities should be easily accessible and within each other’s proximity if possible. Media Entrance should be separate from other entrances at the Stadium. A dedicated parking area for media must be available. Within the stadium, a press conference room must be available and equipped with a Podium, camera platform, split box, sound system, (WI-FI) Internet Connection and chairs.

This room or section must have at least fifty (50) seats for the media representatives. At the front, ideally the main access door, a platform with desk and seats is required for coaches, players and CAF Media officer. ? At the rear, a camera platform 2mX3m and height 0.5m is required in the central position for the main camera. An audio system is required with microphones and speakers.

• Electronic Access controls The Stadium must be equipped with modern electronic access controls and automated counting systems delivering real-time spectators’ attendance per sector and data analysis to the VOC and preventing the use of counterfeit tickets and overcrowding.

• Hotels for accommodation of teams (minimum 4 star near to the venue)

• Hospitals around the venue.

Failure to implement these recommendations by the next inspection may see CAF to removing the temporary approval of the stadium.

“We encourage that you continue with the improvement works that are in place, in order to complete the renovation programme and procurement of all the necessary equipment in both stadiums. Once again, we emphasise that quality stadiums are fundamental to the development and progress of African football, therefore you are kindly requested to put in place all the necessary measures to comply with the CAF Stadium requirements,” said CAF.