Massive boost for Zim football as NSS gets approval to host international matches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved the National Sports Stadium to host international matches.

The giant facility has been undergoing renovations since it was barred from hosting CAF matches.

In 2020, the facility was initially condemned by CAF but was provisional given the green light the same year, with the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia being the last Warriors game to be played there.

In a statement, the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Lieutenant General (Retired) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe revealed that the stadium has been approved for Category 3, and will open its doors to international football again following a recent inspection by CAF.

The National Sports Stadium.

“The Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture is pleased to announce that the Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium has been granted Confederation of African Football (CAF) Category 3 approval following a recent technical inspection and significant progress on priority works at the stadium,” reads the statement.

“The approval allows the National Sports Stadium, subject to the specific requirements of each competition, to host CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group-stage and quarter-final matches, as well as Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other competitions applicable to Category 3 stadia.”

The development comes as a massive boost as the Warriors will kick start their AFCON 2028 qualifying campaign under newly appointed Spanish coach Ramon Catala next month.

ZIFA president Nqobile Magwizi (left) with newly appointed Warriors coach Ramon Catala at the Spaniard’s unveiling yesterday. Picture by Fanzone

The country’s senior men national team will use the National Sports Stadium for home matches.

Similarly, defending league champions Scottland will also use the giant facility in their debut campaign in the CAF Champions League.