Tadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
SPORTS COMMISSION chairman, Gerald Mlotshwa, yesterday blasted the ZIFA Normalisation Committee for snubbing the official opening of Prophet Walter Magaya’s Heart Stadium in Waterfalls yesterday.
This is despite the fact that Magaya extended his invitation to the ZIFA NC.
The crafty venue was officially opened by President Mnangagwa amid pomp and fanfare.
ZIFA NC chairman, Lincoln Mutasa, his deputy Cynthia Malaba as well as committee members Sikhumbuzo Ndebele and Rosemary Mugadza were in a no show.
Zimpapers Sports can also reveal that the NC ignored invitations from Magaya to attend the ground-breaking ceremony on August 15 when construction of the 5 000-seater facility started.
They also snubbed an invitation to assess progress at the venue in September.
Mlotshwa was concerned by ZIFA’s behaviour.
Giving a vote of thanks at the event, Mlotshwa said the SRC will look into the anomaly.
“I note that ZIFA Normalisation Committee notwithstanding specific invitations is not here representing football,” said Mlotshwa.
“We will attend to this pettiness from the Normalisation Committee”.
Away from the ZIFA NC’s shocking absence from the ceremony, Mlotshwa heaped praise on Magaya.
“You have set the pace; it is our expectation that more will follow. This is a well thought out addition to our existing stadia,” said Mlotshwa.
“I urge you to continue in this trajectory, the sector is indeed open for business.
“Bigger is not always better. Domestic football needs these 5 000, 10 000 or 15 000-seater stadiums.
“If you look at the National Sports Stadium; it’s overused, but too big for purpose. I think this is what we need as a country.
“This is an excellent initiative and this should be taken around the country. As the SRC, we will also ensure that we complement by ensuring that there is a legislative framework that include incentives on taxes and the like so that we encourage corporates to invest in these initiatives.
“And you will hear this coming out within the first quarter of 2024”.
Stakeholders also hailed the Heart Stadium initiative.
Dynamos coach Genesis Mangombe, who spent about two years at Yadah, saluted Magaya.
“Football needs this. We wish to see more of these initiatives coming through for the good of our game,” said Mangombe.
Former CAPS Unites captain David Sengu echoed the same sentiments.