By Chipo Gudhe
A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday in Kwekwe for the highly anticipated US$10 million, 10,000-seater Chahwanda Football Stadium.
The project, funded by Prophet Walter Magaya and prominent gold magnate Shepherd Chahwanda, popularly known as Magodora, is expected to serve as a sports and entertainment hub, bringing a major boost to the Midlands Province.
The stadium’s layout will feature designated seating with a capacity of 10,000, which includes 6,000 bucket seats, a VVIP section of 100 seats, and a business lounge for 60 guests.
It will also have 39 bays, two grandstands, offices and an underground boarding room. Additional amenities include a media room, parking areas for VIP and VVIP guests, team bus facilities, a business lounge, changing rooms, a clinic, and a gym.
The stadium will also have a B arena, Zifa provincial and regional offices and a restaurant.
Speaking at the ceremony, Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube, expressed his admiration for the venture, emphasizing its alignment with the government’s investment-friendly policies.
“The construction of Chahwanda Stadium reflects the favorable investment climate created by the Second Republic through the open-for-business approach,” Ncube stated, adding that the project epitomizes the government’s “mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.”
Ncube praised the stadium as a symbol of progress in Kwekwe and the Midlands Province at large.
Prophet Magaya highlighted his longstanding commitment to supporting sports in Zimbabwe, recounting his history of sponsorship across various teams and sports categories.
“We have given out millions in sponsorship over the years,” he said, crediting the support of his church members and partners.
He said he has sponsored the Warriors national team, athletics, snooker, volleyball, rugby and cricket
Magaya assured attendees that the stadium’s design would address the practical needs of players and fans, even in adverse weather.
“We are investing in turf that allows play even after heavy rain. This is about creating a field where sports can go on, rain or shine,” he said.
The stadium is set to host Hard Rock Football Club, a team owned by Chahwanda and will also be open to other teams, Prophet Magaya said.
“We are bringing sports into life in the central part of the country,” Magaya noted, underscoring the project’s potential to bolster sports tourism, job creation, and downstream economic opportunities.
