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Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
BULAWAYO’S Luveve Stadium can now play host to Caf and Fifa matches, bringing to eight the number of stadiums in the country that can play host to the two football bodies’ tournaments.Previously only Barbourfields Stadium was a certified Caf and Fifa matches’ venue in the city with Harare providing three, the giant National Sports, Rufaro and Gwanzura Stadiums, Zvishavane has two, Mandava and Maglas with Hwange having the Colliery Stadium.

Maglas was approved in 2002 when Shabanie Mine participated in the Caf Confederation Cup while Mandava and Colliery became Caf venues in 2012 when both Hwange and FC Platinum  also participated in the continental competition.

Addressing thousands of athletes and residents at Barbourfields Stadium during  the official opening of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games, Region 5 secretary-general and the Games’ regional organising committee chairperson, Mvuzo Mbebe said the renovations done at Luveve Stadium were in conformity with requirements of Caf and Fifa.

The Games which ended last Sunday, were officially opened by President Mugabe.

Mbebe said the objective was to leave a lasting legacy in countries that play host to the Games.

“Your Excellency, I am pleased to announce that following massive renovations done at Luveve Stadium, the venue can now host both Caf and Fifa matches,” said Mbebe to loud applause from the crowd.

It is believed Luveve Stadium has a carrying capacity of 10,000.

Mbebe was the chief executive officer of the highly successful 2013 African Nations Cup and 2014 African Nations Championship, both held in South Africa.

Among the new features at Luveve Stadium is the VIP arena, media centre and modern dressing rooms for teams and a new public ablution facility. A pitch expert was flown from South Africa to work on the turf.

In his own personal assessment, Mbebe felt Luveve Stadium turf was now far better than that of Barbourfields Stadium. He even quipped that local giants Highlanders might be jealous of Chicken Inn and How Mine, who both use Luveve Stadium as their home ground for the Premiership matches.