Prince Chese
DULIVHADZIMU Stadium, Beitbridge’s theatre of football dreams, received the final Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Central Region inspector’s approval to host Division One matches.
This makes a significant milestone in the town’s efforts to upgrade its sporting infrastructure and support local football development.
The final inspection was on Saturday, when inspectors confirmed their key recommendations made during a previous visit had been addressed.
That paved the way for the stadium to stage competitive matches in the upcoming season.
A representative from the Zimbabwe Football Association, Phathutshedzo Munyai, confirmed that inspectors were satisfied with the improvements made since their earlier visit on 23 February.
“When we inspected the stadium on February 23, we had a few recommendations for the municipality to work on. For example, the goalpost height was below the required 2.44 metres, but it has now been corrected to the standard measurement,” Munyai said.
He also noted that the perimeter fence and other basic infrastructure were in acceptable condition.
“So far the perimeter fence is good, and we are ready to watch Division One games here this season,” he said.
Speaking to Ziyah News Network during the inspection, Beitbridge Municipality’s Environmental Senior Officer, Pio Muchena said the local authority had worked to improve the playing surface and surrounding facilities to meet required standards.
“From our last inspection there were several recommendations which we undertook to rectify. On the pitch we improved the lawn, which is now in good condition. We also installed pipes for the stadium irrigation system ,” he said.
Muchena also said that structural adjustments had been made, including correcting the slanted goalposts and preparing to level parts of the ground using a compactor.
“We fixed the goalposts which were slightly slanted and we will hire a compactor to level the ground. The old VIP toilets will be demolished and a new facility will be constructed closer to the VIP section. In the meantime, we will provide mobile toilets. General toilets will also be fitted with new doors although the facilities are already in good condition,” he said.
Public Relations Officer, Raniel Ndou welcomed the development, saying the approval was a major boost for the community and the teams that will use the stadium.
“We are very happy about the progress we have attained and we hope the two teams, Vhembe and Dulis FC, will get maximum support from the community,” Ndou said.
He also said that the stadium’s approval would energise local football supporters.
“We are looking forward to a good season as the teams play. Dulivhadzimu is known as a slaughterhouse once it is approved, so this is a very positive outcome for us,” he said.
Dulibadzimu United team FC manager, Ferdinand Matete also acknowledged the improvements made following the earlier inspection.
“There have been developments since the last inspection, including adjustments to the goalposts and improvements at the corner kick area on the western side. VIP toilets have been temporarily supported with mobile facilities while a permanent structure is planned,” said Matete