Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
HARARE Mayor, Jacob Mafume, believes the reopening of Rufaro Stadium for Premier Soccer League matches has not only breathed life in the city but has also boosted the capital’s economy.
The ceremonial home of football was reopened last year after five years of closure.
After undergoing renovations funded by the City Council, Rufaro now has bucket seats on the upper grand stand, restaurants around the arena and a spruced up car park.
Although there have been serious concerns about its turf, Rufaro has attracted bumper crowds this season, thanks largely to the arrival of Scottland, who recently won the 2025 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League championship.
Traditional giants, Dynamos and CAPS United have also been pulling huge crowds at the Mbare venue.
DeMbare are also in the Chibuku Super Cup final and will face Triangle United at a date and venue to be advised.
Rufaro hosted last year’s final.
Mayor Mafume, who has been a regular figure at PSL matches in Mbare, is confident football revival in Harare can boost the capital’s economy.
“Our target is to establish a sports economy that can exceed a billion dollars in Harare,” said Mafume.
“As you know sports is money and economy, so our first target was to look at revitalising soccer the most popular sport that is followed by many people and of the first thing was to bring back Rufaro.
“What we targeted was to get it ready at the very minimum for the domestic Premier Soccer League matches and to develop a culture of people visiting the stadium again and making it safe for people.
“It has been family friendly environment, and some can say it has been a slay queen environment meaning it is a soft life environment.
“The biggest matches are pulling in the numbers, Scottland, Dynamos, and the Harare Derby.”
Currently, four teams – Dynamos, CAPS United, Herentals and Scottland are using Rufaro Stadium for their Premiership matches.
Mayor Mafume revealed there were plans to upgrade Rufaro for international matches.
“Our desire is to see PSL champions Scottland playing their CAF Champions League matches at their favourite venue Rufaro.
“Football is alive again in Harare. The PSL champions are from Harare and the Chibuku Super Cup finalists are also from the capital.
“This is a good development for Harare as the capital city because all the good things should happen in the country’s biggest City,” said Mafume.
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