By Advent Shoko
Zimbabwe football fans will return to the National Sports Stadium on Tuesday after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted conditional approval for spectators to attend selected matches, following a fatal incident involving supporters.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) announced on Saturday, 10 October, that up to 10,000 spectators would be allowed into the stadium for the Mighty Warriors’ Women’s Olympic football qualifier against Malawi on 13 October.
The match, part of the qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, kicks off at 3pm CAT.
The authorisation marks a limited return of fans after Zimbabwe faced restrictions following an incident during the Warriors’ match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), in which a supporter lost their life.
In its statement, ZIFA said CAF had granted “exceptional, strictly conditional authorisation” for spectators to attend the selected fixtures.
The association also confirmed that the same arrangement would apply to Scottland FC’s CAF Champions League match against Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for 17 October, pending confirmation of the official date.
Strict safety measures imposed
ZIFA said the return of supporters would depend on compliance with CAF’s safety requirements, with enhanced security, crowd management, access control, medical services and emergency response measures in place.
A CAF Safety and Security Officer will monitor and assess the implementation of the measures.
The association said stadium gates would open five hours before kick-off to allow sufficient time for security screening, entry and seating.
Attendance will be capped at 10,000, and spectators will only be permitted to occupy designated, approved areas. Ticketing, entry and parking arrangements for the matches will be communicated separately.
ZIFA also warned that it would not tolerate hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism, forced entry or any conduct that threatens public safety.
“Offenders will be refused entry, removed from the stadium or banned from attending matches, as appropriate,” the association said.
Supporters have been urged to follow instructions from police, stewards and match officials, keep emergency exits and access routes clear, and report any unsafe behaviour.
CAF could impose further restrictions or withdraw permission for spectators if the conditions are not met.
ZIFA remembers supporter who died
ZIFA reiterated its condolences to the family and loved ones of the supporter who died, stressing that the safety of fans, players, officials and other match personnel remained its foremost priority.
The association thanked the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, for providing formal guarantees to CAF and supporting efforts to improve stadium safety.
It also acknowledged the role of security services, medical teams, emergency responders and stadium authorities in implementing the required measures.
ZIFA said CAF’s assessment of the upcoming matches and the effectiveness of the corrective measures would influence decisions on spectator access at future fixtures.
The conditional approval therefore gives Zimbabwe football a chance to demonstrate that matches can be staged safely while allowing supporters to return to the stands.
Tickets on sale for Zimbabwe vs Malawi
Tickets for Tuesday’s match between the Mighty Warriors and Malawi are available through ZIFA’s online ticketing platform, WhatsApp and BETMAN shops.
Regular Open Stand tickets cost US$5, while VIP tickets are priced at US$30. Supporters have been encouraged to secure their seats early, with availability limited by the authorised capacity.
The match offers fans an opportunity to rally behind Zimbabwe’s women’s national team as the side continues its campaign to qualify for the LA28 Olympic Games.
With the 10,000-spectator ceiling and strict safety conditions in force, supporters will be expected to play their part in ensuring the return of crowds does not come at the expense of public safety.
For Zimbabwean football, Tuesday’s match will be about more than the result on the pitch. It will also be a test of whether supporters can return to the stadium in a safe and orderly environment.
Leave a Reply