The ManicaPost
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
If the Mutare City Council is sincere in its efforts to conserve the Sakubva Stadium’s turf, then their City Rovers must stop using the facility for their training sessions and their Eastern Region Division One League matches, football enthusiasts have said.
Those who attended an emotionally charged meeting that was chaired by the local authority’s Acting Town Clerk’s office on Tuesday did not mince their words in what they described as ‘double standards’ by the Mutare City Council.
Outspoken football administrator, Cecila Gambe told the meeting that: “The big surprise for us is that council admits that the stadium is in a bad shape and there is need for long term genuine refurbishment to the turf.
“However, the same council owns a team that is causing more damage to the facility by using it for training every day, as well as their home matches during weekends.
“How do you reconcile that? They are taking advantage of the fact that they are playing in a league that does not care much about standards? No!
“Council should be serious. We are aware that there is a coach (name withheld) who is boasting that council will only renovate the stadium when Mutare City Rovers get promoted.
“No team should be using Sakubva Stadium as of now because we all agree that the stadium is in bad shape,” said Gambe.
Buffaloes representative at the meeting, Aaron Dzvete added his voice to the argument: “If we are saying the facility is in a bad state, why are we destroying it further by straining and using it as a home ground?
“Are the city fathers doing so because they are the councilors in office and their club should have the privilege as they are in a lower league? If there is determination to refurbish the stadium, coupled with acceptance that the stadium is in bad shape, let us all share the burden of not having a stadium in Mutare.
“Mutare City Rovers should come join us at Showgrounds and other derelict facilities around,” said Dzvete.
A Manica Diamonds fans’ representative, Obert Mukarakate said: “We are having a torrid time week in week out travelling long distances just to watch our beloved teams’ matches.
“This can only be felt by a Manica Diamonds fan and not a Mutare City Rovers fan who has the privilege of watching their team at Sakubva Stadium even when the stadium is not in good shape.
“Let us have one rule for all. If we agree that the stadium is not fit for purpose, then no team should be using it until it is refurbished,” he said.
Chafesuka said he would submit the concerns to his superiors so that they craft a way forward.
