Iconic stadium poised for major facelift

WITH the ever-deteriorating sporting infrastructure in Harare’s high-density suburbs being a major put-off for athletes, a power company has committed to spruce up the iconic Mabvuku Number One Grounds.

Several yesteryear and current stars including the Mugeyi twins Wilfred and William, the late Usman Misi, Brenna Msiska, Sageby Sandaka, Irvine Tinarwo, Simon Choenda, Robson Masauso among others honed their skills at the multi-discipline venue.

Over the years, the facility, which also houses an athletics track, basketball and tennis courts, cricket and rugby pitches, has become decrepit. However, the power company, Power Giants, has committed to give the arena a facelift.

“We have decided to have a look at these sporting facilities here in Mabvuku-Tafara,” said the company’s chairperson, Edzai Kachirekwa.

“These are the same facilities which helped shape the careers of some of the best sporting talent in the country. The likes of the Mugeyi twins, Wilfred and William, the late former CAPS United star Joe “Kode” Mugabe were developed here.

“But, look, these facilities are in a deplorable state and as a company we have decided to give the venue a facelift.”

He said the deplorable state of sporting facilities is driving youth away from sport.

“They end up engaging in some social vices, including prostitution, drug abuse and other criminal activities.

“We want to take the youths off the streets and into sport . . .

“As a company, we think it would be wise to provide a conducive environment for the development of the next generation of sportspersons,” he added.

Initial work has begun by clearing rubble around the complex.

It is believed that youth in the area will be contracted in the project to spruce up the stadium.

Harare Mayor Stewart Mutizwa said topflight teams should consider partnering the local authoroity and get leases to different stadia around the capital.

Premiership giants Dynamos have since made a request to lease Rufaro Stadium, which is also currently in bad condition.

In Highfield, Ambassador Uebert Angel is injecting US$50 000 to refurbish Gwanzura Stadium.

He has since promised to bring in more investors for the project.