ZC upgrades venues after Vic Falls stadium failure

by WELLINGTON TONI
HARARE, (CAJ News) – AT a time one of the country’s biggest sports association is in the eye of a storm after some stadia were banned from hosting international matches, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) plans to refurbish its venues.

Darlington Majonga, the ZC Media Manager, said this was a priority after plans to build a multi-purpose stadium in the resort town of Victoria Falls were shelved due to financial constraints.

“Instead, our priority at the moment is to maintain and upgrade our current grounds and facilities that, as your probably aware, already meet international standards,” Majonga said.

ZC has two major stadiums, namely the Harare Sports Club and Queens Cricket Ground in Bulawayo.

The venues hosted some matches during the 2003 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup that Zimbabwe co-hosted with Kenya and neighbouring South Africa.

ZC in 2010 received approval to build the Victoria Falls Cricket Stadium, which was proposed to be a 12 000-seater venue.

Envisaged to have excellent views of the Victoria Falls, it was expected to boost to tourism.

Zimbabwe’s football is currently whirling in a crisis after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) banned the use of local stadia from hosting international matches.

The Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo and National Sports Stadium in the capital Harare are impacted by the ban.

The two stadiums are undergoing renovations.

A team of international inspectors have been in the country to ascertain progress.

– CAJ News