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Lovemore Zigara Midlands Sports Correspondent
GWERU City Council has committed itself to renovating Ascot Stadium ahead of the new season which is expected to kick off on March 7. The Zifa grounds committee which was led by Premier Soccer League chairman Twine Phiri and Caf instructor Wilfred Mukuna, condemned Ascot Stadium, which is supposed to be used by Chapungu and newly-promoted Whawha for their home games.

The committee noted that the ablution facilities, changing rooms as well as the grand stand needed to be upgraded to meet the minimum PSL standards.

Chapungu chief executive officer, Chris-Levie Mukotekwa said despite the condemnation, the stadium was still fit to host Premiership matches, allaying fears that the club might need to look for an alternative venue outside Gweru for its home games.

He said: “The PSL never said that the stadium will not host matches but implored council to make necessary renovations so that they meet the minimum requirements.

“When I spoke to Kenny Ndebele (PSL chief executive officer) he said the stadium can still host Premiership matches contrary to what has been circulating in the media. We are now working with the local authority so that the stadium meets these requirements.”

Gweru mayor, Hamutendi Kombayi expressed ignorance on the stadium’s condemnation but said he would ensure that the stadium is renovated in time for league action next month. “I wasn’t aware that this is the position from PSL because I’m yet to be appraised on those developments. What I can tell you now is that I’ll issue a directive for the stadium to be renovated.

“Those monies which we collected as rentals should be channelled back to refurbish the stadium. This should be done before the football season kicks off,” said Kombayi.

There has been concerns about the stadium’s dressing rooms as well as the VIP enclosure which needs a major facelift.

Meanwhile, Whawha has already made contingency measures in case the stadium is banned to host PSL matches.

Club secretary, Jimiel Marecha said they would use Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane or Kwekwe’s Baghdad Stadium if it is given the green light by the grounds committee.