Inside the stadium that’s redefining football in Zimbabwe
· The South African
For years, Zimbabwean football has struggled with ageing stadiums that failed to meet the standards required to host international matches.
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As a result, Zimbabwe national team has been using South African stadiums for international matches.
While authorities continue upgrading existing facilities, one privately funded project has emerged as a symbol of what the future could look like.
Located in Kwekwe, Chahwanda Stadium has quickly earned a reputation as Zimbabwe’s most modern football venue.
The stadium combines world-class facilities with modern design, offering players, officials and supporters an experience unlike any other in the country.
As the venue awaits final approval to host Confederation of African Football (CAF) matches, many believe it has set a new benchmark for football infrastructure in Zimbabwe.
Chahwanda Stadium: A privately funded vision becomes reality
Businessman Shepherd Chahwanda spearheaded the construction of the stadium with support from Prophet Walter Magaya, demonstrating how private investment can transform Zimbabwean sport.
The project took shape over several years before opening its gates to Premier Soccer League football.
It now serves as the home of Hardrock FC and has already attracted widespread attention from football fans across the country.
Unlike many public stadiums that have suffered from years of underinvestment, Chahwanda Stadium was designed with modern football requirements in mind from the very beginning.
Modern facilities raise the standard
Visitors immediately notice the stadium’s impressive layout.
The venue accommodates approximately 15 000 spectators in individual bucket seats, creating a safer and more comfortable matchday experience than traditional concrete terraces.
“This is a dream come true,” Mayor of Kwekwe, Albert Zinhanga told The Herald Online.
“Chahwanda Stadium is a beacon of hope and a testament to the city’s resilience and determination.”
Beyond the playing field, Chahwanda Stadium offers facilities rarely found at Zimbabwean football grounds. These include:
- Three seating tiers
- VIP and VVIP hospitality areas
- Accommodation with 24 en-suite rooms for teams
- Medical clinic
- Conference facilities
- Twelve retail shops
- Modern bucket seating
- Multiple entry points designed to improve crowd movement
- Additional football arenas (B and C arenas)
Together, these features transform the stadium into more than just a football ground. It functions as a multi-purpose sporting complex capable of hosting professional events throughout the year.
A lifeline for Zimbabwean football
Zimbabwe has spent several years unable to host many international fixtures after CAF declared several stadiums unsuitable for continental competitions.
As a result, the Warriors have frequently played their home matches in neighbouring countries, denying local supporters the opportunity to watch the national team on home soil.
Chahwanda Stadium has emerged as one of the facilities expected to help reverse that trend.
CAF inspectors have visited the venue as part of the certification process, with football stakeholders hopeful it will soon qualify to host international matches.
If approved, the stadium could reduce Zimbabwe’s dependence on foreign venues while strengthening the country’s football infrastructure.