The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
FOOTBALL fans in Rusape will be spoilt for choice as Vengere Stadium is the new home ground for two military sides, Black Rhinos and Cranborne Bullets after the venue was recently approved by ZIFA to host the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches.
This is the second time in seven years for Vengere to host two PSL teams in one season as it was once the home to the now defunct Dongo Sawmills and Buffaloes in 2015.
Rusape Town Council acting secretary, Fanisen Shuwa, confirmed the development, saying ZIFA’s acting chief executive office, Xolisani Gwesela, recently communicated with the local authority and advised them that the stadium had finally passed the tests to host PSL matches.
“ZIFA has communicated with us that the stadium is now meeting the minimum requirements to host top-flight games. They said they will send the approval letter to PSL who in turn will communicate with us. We have attended to their concerns on the pitch and dressing rooms. The changing rooms have been extensively attended to. We have secured new sprinklers for watering the pitch and we will drill a borehole in the stadium to augment water supplies,” said Shuwa.
Black Rhinos secretary, Edward Mutukwa said that they are relieved that the venue they wanted to use from the start of the season is now cleared and promised fans quality football.
“Vengere has been given the nod to host Premier Soccer League matches and by yesterday (Tuesday), the process was being formalised. As you are aware, Vengere was our first option, but we ended up using other venues. After the season break we will be using Vengere Stadium. We are left with eight home matches. Vengere will be jointly used by us and Cranborne Bullets. Negotiations are underway so that we do not host our home matches during the same weekend,” said Mutukwa.
Cranborne Bullets chairman, Douglas Gwite said they are waiting for formal communication from the PSL management.
“We are waiting to hear from the football authorities, but in the event that the venue is approved, we will use it as our home ground. Currently we are using Sakubva Stadium, but Vengere Stadium is most ideal to us,” Gwite said.
Gwesela who is also a member of the First Instance Board that inspects match venues referred questions to PSL, whilst PSL spokesperson, Kudzai Bare referred questions back to ZIFA.
