The issue of the banned stadiums has become a rallying point between major football stakeholders in the country as they scramble to find a solution to the crisis.

The Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation yesterday convened meetings with ZIFA officials and the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to find a way out of the crisis.
Zimbabwe were dealt a huge blow this week after CAF announced that all the country’s major football stadiums were not fit to host international matches, including the upcoming AFCON qualifier against Algeria.

The match was scheduled to be held at Barbourfields on March 31 after the Bulawayo venue had been given partial clearance by CAF during the last round of inspection.

However, Zimbabwe were told this week to look for an alternative venue, outside the country, to host the match because of lack of renovations at Barbourfields.

Yesterday’s meeting, which involved officials from the Ministry of Local Government, who manage the country’s biggest multi-sports facility — the National Sports Stadium — agreed sports infrastructure in the country badly needed urgent attention.

Sports Minister, Kirsty Coventry and ZIFA officials, have been on record in the past decrying the poor state of the country’s stadiums.

“We all know that the stadiums in Zimbabwe have been deteriorating for ages but it is now my responsibility to make sure we fix this mess,’’ Coventry tweeted.

‘‘Overnight solutions will not work but know that I am on it. I will keep you posted.’’

Harare’s Rufaro and Gwanzura have also been struck off the CAF roaster because they are in a deplorable state.-state media