Zimbabwe’s five-year ban on hosting international football matches has been temporarily lifted after the National Sports Stadium in Harare received Category 2 approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for key competitions, including youth Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and early club tournament rounds.
Zimbabwe now joins a roster of approved African venues ranging from Algeria’s Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 to South Africa’s Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, according to a CAf memo seen by _Kukurigo Sport_.
CAF’s Category 2 certification applies to stadiums hosting youth and preliminary club competitions and requires strict compliance with standards for pitch quality, seating, lighting and security.
Zimbabwe was banned in 2022 after the stadium failed to meet minimum requirements due to poor pitch conditions, inadequate facilities and security concerns, following a provisional ban in 2020. Since then, national teams and clubs have played home matches in neighboring countries such as South Africa’s Orlando Stadium.
Upgrades to Zimbabwe’s National Sports Stadium have stalled repeatedly over the years, slowed by a retendering process sparked by corruption claims, shifts in procurement rules, and funding shortfalls from a strained national treasury. Despite these challenges, the government has been pushing forward with upgrades that include installing bucket seats, electronic turnstiles, and modernizing dressing rooms, medical, and anti-doping facilities.
The current renovations mark a hopeful turning point after years of stagnation. However, officials note further improvements are needed before Zimbabwe can host its senior national team’s most important matches again.
Fans hope that continued upgrades and compliance with CAF and FIFA standards will help the National Sports Stadium restore pride and a competitive edge to Zimbabwean football.
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