THE National Sports Stadium is now almost ready to host international football matches while Babourfields will be designated to host low-tier games such as those featuring the country’s national youth teams like the Young Warriors.

Sports and Recreation Commission director-general, Prince Mupazviriho, said only a few issues, such as suitable turnstiles and bucket seats remained to be fitted at the country’s biggest sports stadium.

He said it was no longer prudent to continue demolishing structures at Barbourfields, in order to refurbish the stadium, considering it was an old facility constructed more than 70 years ago.

Mupazviriho was giving oral evidence before Parliament’s portfolio committee on Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture which wanted to get an update on stadia upgrade, among other issues, related to sport.

He was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Thokozile Chitepo.

“The minimum requirements to host international matches, National Sports Stadium is there, except for bucket seats, e-ticketing and turnstiles,’’ said Mupazviriho.

“And, the reason for those aspects to be outstanding is that most of the companies who manufacture (the items) are closed and we have to import.

“I am happy to report that two, or three weeks ago, I got approval from the Permanent Secretary (Chitepo) to float a tender whose processes are already at an advanced stage.

“Other than these outstanding issues, the National Sports Stadium now meets the intended requirements.

“If, today, we are requested to host a qualifying match for AFCON or World Cup, the National Sports Stadium must be able to host.

“It’s not only Zimbabwe, there are also a number of countries that must also upgrade their stadia.’’

Mupazviriho said a permanent solution for Barbourfields was not in renovating it, but building a new stadium in the City of Kings-The Herald