ZIFA’s First Instance Board (FIB), the body in charge of approving use of stadia in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) based on set standards might have to explain how it allowed matches to be played at Bata Stadium, Gweru.
By Bhora Afrika
Bata stadium is home to newly promoted Sheasham, The Construction Boys.
The stadium is half-built, has a bumpy pitch, never seen before (in the topflight) grandstands, and dirt. Some have however likened them to grandstands at Baobab Stadium.
Only images of its VIP section were shared, to convince fans that its rehabilitation was complete when the remainder of the ground was yet to be attended.
The VIP section looks like Baobab Stadium’s, with about 250 bucket seats while the whole end is on bright blue, red and white colours of Sheasham.
With Nyamhunga in Kariba closed, forcing ZPC Kariba to play 355 kilometres away from home, Rusape’s Vhengere, and Rufaro stadium stopped from hosting matches, the opening of Bata stadium has irked football fans.
“This is Bata. I can’t call it a stadium. A football venue maybe? Yeah. Approved by the football authorities to host topflight matches.
“MaCdes we are not serious nebhora or hupenyu chaihwo,” said popular local football blogger Makomborero Mutimukulu.
The development could have been welcome if the stadium had proper structures not just at the VIP End.
Said Petros Dube, a local football fan in an online post accompanied by images of the stadium: “This is how fans were watching the game between Sheasham and Highlanders. It ended as a goalless draw. This is unacceptable.”
Bata stadium was ‘homologated’ (approved for use) to add to the five only in use. Hwange’s Colliery was also given the nod.
“How was this stadium homologated sure? Bata stadium homologation is a fraud,” said experienced sports journalist Sikhumbuzo Moyo.