Onward Gangata
CAF inspectors have landed in Kwekwe where they are carrying out inspection of Chahwanda stadium for possible certification to host continental matches.
At the moment, Zimbabwe does not have a stadium that meets the CAF requirements to host matches.
This has seen national teams and clubs participating in regional and international matches hosting their matches in neighboring countries.
But there is hope that all that could end following the arrival of the CAF inspectors to run the rule over Chahwanda stadium.
The CAF delegation that is tasked with examining the Kwekwe facility includes CAF Safety and Security Officer Ettoh Claude, Infrastructure Inspector Aloys Mpambara, and Pitch Inspector David Newell.
Should Chahwanda stadium be certified to host international matches, it will be a huge boost for the country.
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League champions, Scottland and Chibuku Super Cup holders, Dynamos are set to participate in the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup respectively.
CAF has a strong stance on infrastructure to meet set requirements for hosting matches.
Among the things that CAF examines are the state of the pitch, which must meet the IFAB laws, floodlighting, and team benches that have a seating capacity of at least 20 people.
Dressing rooms, media facilities and security for spectators are some of the major areas inspectors will assess.
CAF certified stadiums are classified into four categories.
Category One is for youth and lower tier matches while category two is for youth qualification (Under 17,20,23) and preliminary matches for club competitions.
Category three and four are for national teams for bigger competitions such as AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
