Staff Reporter
Government has commended Prophet Walter Magaya and his partner, Shepherd Chahwanda, for constructing the Chahwanda stadium in Kwekwe, a project that promises to revitalize the city’s sporting infrastructure.
Magaya and Chahwanda reportedly sunk an initial US$10 million into the project.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube presided over the ground breaking ceremony of the massive project.
A significant number of Kwekwe residents were also at the site of the proposed state of the art stadium which set to have a 10 000 seater venue once completed
Kwekwe resident are also expected to provide the bulk of the construction manpower.
The stadium – Heart Main Arena is expected to be completed by mid-January, and ready to welcome top-flight and international football in the 2025 season.
It is being built while using expert guidelines from the Confederation of African Football.
“I am filled with great pride and immense joy as I address you on yet another auspicious occasion for the community of Kwekwe and the entire Midlands Province as we gather for the Chahwanda Stadium also known as the Heart Area.
“This epic event marks the official start of construction works at this state-of-the-art USD10 million-dollar stadium that aligns with the Confederation of African Football standards.
“The Stadium, funded by Chahwanda, Magaya and other indigenous partners who attests to the Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangawa’s mantra of Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa igonamatirwa nevene vayo.
“I applaud Chahwanda Magaya and their partners for transforming ideas into products and services and illustrating immense ambition, hope, hard work,” said Minister Ncube.
The Stadium will also have a B Arena, ZIFA Provincial and Regional Offices, Clinic, restaurant and gym.
Magaya said decentralising football is what cheers him up.
“This venue is going to help and inspire a lot of children to become footballers.
“Such facilities are key in changing the face of football even at community level.
“There has to be something that drives people to watch football, and such environment will leave children dreaming to become better.
“I’m happy that people sacrificed their time to grace this occasion, and I want to thank Chahwanda for his passion to change the livelihoods of people in his community through football,” said Magaya.
A number of neutrals have also saluted Magaya for showing a degree of selflessness through construction of stadiums which are part of the legacy he has endowed on sport and football in particular.