By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, 10 February 2026 — Mutare City Council says Sakubva Stadium is being prepared to host Premier Soccer League (PSL) and international matches once planned upgrades are completed, Town Clerk Blessing K. Chafesuka has said.
Addressing journalists yesterday during a press conference on the 2026 budget overview, Chafesuka acknowledged that the city will not host PSL matches this year but stressed that the long-term objective remains clear.
“Sakubva Stadium is expected to host Premier League matches every year. Unfortunately, we will not be able to host PSL this year,” said Chafesuka.
He revealed that council has already procured bucket seats for the stadium, which have been certified to meet international standards.
“We procured bucket seats for the stadium. They were certified as meeting the required standards to hold international games,” he said.
According to Chafesuka, the seats are expected to arrive within six to ten weeks, with installation projected to take a further four to five months.
Beyond seating, council is planning a series of structural and facility upgrades aimed at meeting both domestic and continental football requirements.
“We need to upgrade our changing rooms, toilets, shaded areas for VIPs and VVIPs, the media section, and add some extra facilities,” Chafesuka said.
He added that once the works are complete, Sakubva Stadium could again host high-profile fixtures, including national team matches.
“After all these upgrades, we will be able to host the national team, with the guidance of ZIFA and CAF officials,” he said.
Chafesuka also disclosed that government has introduced incentives to attract private sector investment into public sports infrastructure.
“Government has said any private sector company that invests in upgrading a public sports infrastructure will get a rebate of 150 percent. If you invest one million and go to ZIMRA for a tax credit, you will get one-point-five million,” he said.
He said the full upgrade of Sakubva Stadium is estimated to cost US$2 million.
“At the moment, we already have US$500,000, meaning there is a shortfall of US$1.5 million, which we are asking private players to support,” said Chafesuka.
He expressed optimism that with increased private sector participation, Mutare will soon re-establish itself as a regular venue for top-flight and international football.