To the people of Kwekwe, he is just Magodora. He is simply one of their own.
Shepherd ‘Magodora’ Chahwanda is loved in the second most populous city in the Midlands province.
The unheralded mining mogul is about to deliver two historic developments in Kwekwe, to the delight of those who call the city home.
Chahwanda is the man behind the Chahwanda Stadium (The Heart Arena) —a facility which is nearing completion.
He is working hand in glove with football benefactor and popular cleric Walter Magaya on the project.
The 15-000 seater facility has round-shaped state-of-the-art changing rooms, a B-arena, 26 presidential suites to accommodate visitors, a sleek playing surface as well as bucket seats right round.
Its construction is being done in consultation with CAF Stadium expert Feizal Sidat, so that it is done within the confines of the continental governing body.
The assignment is simple —to make sure it gets approved to host international matches.
Sizat was impressed by the progress at Chahwanda when he toured the facility for the second time last week.
“The visit today is part of the continuation of the technical visits that we started a few months ago,” said Sidat.
“It’s part of an audit to check the progress of the work on the ground and on site.
“Today, we have met again with the technical team, the project team, the engineers, as well as the structural team involved, to cross-check all matters and the work being done with the CAF requirements and guidelines.
“As we are all aware, CAF is the governing body that sets requirements for stadiums in different categories.
“We did a two-hour inspection on the facility from exterior areas, going into the main areas to the pitch.
“We can notice that there have been improvements in areas that have been modified to our last recommendations,” added Sidat.
The facility might be a solution to the Zimbabwean stadium crisis, which has seen all national teams playing home matches on foreign soil for over three years.
Zimbabwean clubs taking part in CAF inter-club competitions are also reporting to playing home matches outside the country because of the crisis.
Apart from the stadium project, Chahwanda also owns ambitious Central Region Division One side Hardrock Football Club.
Hardrock are in a thrilling two-horse race for promotion to the Premier Soccer League, with log leaders Sheasham.
