Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
A SOUTH African-based pitch expert has certified Barbourfields and Luveve Stadiums as ready to play host to football matches during the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games.

Steve Pilla, a pitch expert who also has done some work for Cosafa Games, said White City Stadium, venue for athletics, would also be ready by the time the Games start but stressed that it could be a while before football is played there.

The venue is solely for athletics. White City Stadium had its lawn totally uprooted as part of the renovations. A new lawn was bought before being laid towards the end of last month.

“Luveve and Barbourfields are ready for the Games, its just a few touch-ups here and there on the sides but otherwise matches will go on without any problems,” said Pilla who was found busy at Luveve Stadium by the delegation led by Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda during a tour of the Games’ facilities on Wednesday.

Pilla was in the company of Bulawayo’s director of housing and community services, Isaiah Magagula.

Luveve Stadium’s first match will be between Malawi and Zimbabwe men’s teams on December 5 before South Africa girls clash with their Botswana counterparts later on the same day.

Zimbabwe and Zambia’s women teams will open the Barbourfields turf also on December 5 although President Mugabe would have officially opened the Games on the same venue on the previous day.