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Workers laying the lawn at White City Stadium yesterday

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
THE long awaited laying of the turf at White City Stadium for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Games, began yesterday with experts at the site saying they expect to complete the job next week.

It is expected that the grass will be ready in two to three weeks’ time.

A visit by Chronicle Sport yesterday to the site revealed that the instruction by the Region 5 secretary-general and the Games Regional Organising Committee chairperson Mvuzo Mbebe that they demolish part of the cycle track to pave way for long and triple jump pitches was heeded.

The turf will also be laid at the practise venue that will be used for warm up by the athletes.

Mbebe challenged Zimbabwe to work round the clock to ensure that the facility plays host to the Games’ athletics.

Still outstanding is the track and tower lights are expected to be delivered soon from Durban .

The region is adamant that athletics be hosted in the evening as temperatures will be very high during the day. That could revolutionalise athletics after the Region 5 competition.

“The tartan track is erected in stages, for now they are busy with probably the first stage, hardening the surface. Part of the material needed is already here in Zimbabwe while some of it is on its way from Durban, South Africa,” said Elkanah Dube, the chief executive officer of the local organising committee.

Dube dismissed reports that the discipline’s competition could be taken to Harare.

“Athletics will be in Bulawayo at White City Stadium as per schedule, never at any one time did the idea of shifting athletics to Harare get entertained, it’s probably just rumours but I can assure the nation and Bulawayo that White City Stadium will be ready for the Games,” he said.