The Zimbabwe Football Association has issued a statement on the change of venue for the Warriors’ Afcon qualifier against Botswana next week.
The national team was supposed to host their western neighbours at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, but the game has been moved to the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
The decision to shift the game to the capital is due to a faulty floodlight system at the Bulawayo venue. The encounter is scheduled to start in the evening time at 6 pm on Friday, November 15.
Here is Zifa’s full statement on the development:
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) wishes to advise the public and all stakeholders that the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and Botswana initially scheduled for Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo on November 15 has been moved to the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Kick off for the match is 1800hrs.
The decision to move the match follows communication from the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) on the issue of floodlights at Barbourfields Stadium where they could not guarantee their good working order as they were last put to use in 2017 during the Cosafa Women’s Championship.
In the absence of such a guarantee and in pursuit of conformance with their minimum requirements, CAF has switched the match to the National Sports Stadium to avoid potential of flood light failure during the match-a situation that could trigger security risk to the fans, players and officials.
ZIFA had pleaded with the continental mother body to move the match to 1500hrs on the same day, but CAF could not grant the request as all qualifiers, across Africa, will be played at 1800hrs.
We wish to unreservedly apologise to all football lovers and stakeholders in Bulawayo and surrounding areas for the inconvenience caused.
The ZIFA Executive Committee commits to host the next international match which is to be played during day light at Barbourfields Stadium and that we remain committed to a rotation system that will allow all fans an opportunity to support their team in flesh and blood.
Gate charges are Rest of the Ground: $20, Bay 15-18 $50, VIP $120. Advance online tickets are available on www.clicknpay.africa.
