The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura Rusape Correspondent
RUSAPE Town Council has begun renovating Vengere Stadium to meet some of the requirements requested by the Premier Soccer League for it to be suitable to host top flight league matches.
Vengere Stadium is the only stadium in Manicaland suitable to host PSL matches and this comes as good news to newly promoted Manica Diamonds. Vengere was the home ground for Mutare City Rovers during last season and was also used by now defunct Dongo Sawmills in 2015.
Two weeks ago PSL, Manica Diamonds and Rusape town council officials toured the stadium and on Tuesday this week PSL wrote to council highlighting areas that need attention before the league kicks off on 30 March. Last season most coaches especially losing ones blamed the pitch labeling it bumpy.
PSL has requested that RTC attends to 15 areas which include expansion of players and match officials dressing rooms, ablution facilities, new stadium perimeter wall, medical rooms, levelling of playing surface, overhauling drainage system, goal posts, provision of segregation of fans’ sitting area, refurbishing of the technical area, ticketing office, new turnstiles, facilities for physically challenged, media facilities and permanent TV camera stands.
Acting Director of Housing and Social Services Mr Tarisai Manzonzo said they would meet most of the requirements well before the start of season and some of the demands needed huge sums of money and would be done gradually.
“We are already working on improving Vengere stadium as required by PSL. We are starting by what is financially possible for us in the short run. Definitely we are going to meet the requirements before the season starts. Mind you the stadium was used by PSL last season.
“On the pitch, we have begun leveling it and applying black soil. We are aware that Vengere is the only stadium available in Manicaland so we will do the best,” said Mr Manzonzo.
With the calibre of the squad assembled by Manica Diamonds the gem boys are guaranteed of huge fan turn outs during match days. Rusape is a football mad town as evidence by fans that thronged to watch mediocre teams such as Dongo and Mutare City Rovers.
