By Advent Shoko
HARARE – Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape may be on the verge of a major transformation after government officials confirmed progress on proposals for a state-of-the-art National Stadium in Mount Hampden, even as questions linger over the long-delayed National Sports Stadium refurbishment that has frustrated fans and football administrators alike.
On the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Zimbabwe’s finance ministry engaged senior executives from Swiss construction giant Mabetex Group in high-level talks about delivering a world-class, mixed-use stadium in the new administrative capital of Mount Hampden. The proposed venue, featuring a retractable roof and the ability to host football, rugby, concerts and other major events, is being pitched as a strategic upgrade to Zimbabwe’s sports and cultural infrastructure.
The project is set to be developed under a 30-year “treasury-light” financing model, designed to lessen direct pressure on state coffers while attracting private sector investment and technical expertise. Mabetex, known for large-scale global infrastructure projects, is expected to work with FIFA-aligned specialists to ensure the facility meets international standards.
Government officials and sports stakeholders describe the new stadium in Mt Hampden as a catalytic investment that could not only restore Zimbabwe’s ability to host international matches on home soil but also stimulate urban growth, youth development and sports tourism, while enhancing national pride and international visibility.
The push for a new national stadium comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s existing flagship sports venue, the National Sports Stadium in Harare, has been dogged by delays, funding issues, and sub-standard facilities that have repeatedly failed international inspections. The stadium was banned from hosting senior international matches by CAF and FIFA in recent years due to infrastructure shortcomings.
Recent reports and statements from government ministers suggest that renovations are finally progressing. According to Sports Minister Amb. Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) A.N. Sanyatwe, refurbishment works, including seating upgrades, pitch improvement and modern spectator facilities, are ongoing and could be completed before the start of the 2026 season, allowing Zimbabwe to reclaim its status as a home venue for international fixtures.
Other updates indicate that the stadium’s playing turf, drainage and irrigation systems are being modernised, while spectator comforts, security upgrades and a new media centre are part of the overhaul, moves aimed at meeting strict CAF and FIFA standards.
However, not all stakeholders share the same optimism. Previous government briefings pointed to funding bottlenecks and slow disbursement of allocated resources, which have hindered earlier renovation timelines and forced national teams, including the Warriors, to play “home” matches in neighbouring countries.
What Fans and Players Want
Local clubs, fans and sports analysts have long argued that Zimbabwe must bring international football home by upgrading facilities that have languished for more than half a decade. Without compliance with CAF/FIFA standards, teams continue to lose the advantage of home support and incur extra costs for neutral venues.
At the same time, other stadium projects around the country, by private parties, such as Kwekwe’s Chahwanda Stadium, are advancing as part of a broader push to decentralise and improve sporting infrastructure beyond the capital.
For now, fans can look forward to a potential return of international sport on home soil and the promise of modern, multi-purpose facilities. Whether the new Mount Hampden dream and the National Sports Stadium overhaul will deliver on high expectations remains one of Zimbabwe’s most watched developments in sport and national development.
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