By A Correspondent | Harare, Zimbabwe – In a surprising twist, Prophet Walter Magaya, the charismatic leader of PhD Ministries, has announced an ambitious plan to construct 10 football stadiums across Zimbabwe by 2032, despite his organization facing a court-ordered auction to settle outstanding debts. The announcement, made during a tour of the under-construction Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe, has sparked a mixture of skepticism and disbelief among observers.
While Magaya envisions hosting international tournaments such as the Council of Southern Africa Football Association (COSAFA) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Zimbabwe, his ministry’s financial troubles are unfolding publicly. LM Auctioneers recently announced the auction of PhD Ministries’ assets, including approximately 5,000 plastic chairs, forklifts, generators, TVs, trailers, and assorted speakers, under a legal case labeled Simon Tendai vs. PhD Ministries (Case # HRECCG779/24).
The auction is scheduled for Thursday, 13 February 2025, at 1 Sherwood Drive, Simon Mazorodze Road, Waterfalls, Harare. A $1,000 deposit is required for vehicles and heavy-duty generators. The auction list suggests that basic operational items of the ministry are being liquidated to cover debts, casting a shadow over Magaya’s stadium-building aspirations.
Grand Vision vs. Harsh Reality
Magaya’s latest pronouncement came as he showcased progress at Chahwanda Stadium to journalists and local council representatives from Masvingo and Kadoma. He revealed ongoing negotiations with authorities in Masvingo, Kadoma, and Shurugwi to either construct new stadiums or rehabilitate existing ones, with the ultimate goal of transforming Zimbabwe into a viable host for major African football events.
“My dream is to construct 10 stadiums by 2032, and God willing, I will achieve this,” Magaya said. “If I fail, I will still thank God for allowing me to build what I would have managed to in that timeframe. Should the stadiums be there by 2032, Zimbabwe will be able to bid to host COSAFA and AFCON tournaments. That is why I have a target of renovating at least one stadium in each of the 10 provinces.”
However, with essential assets heading to the auction block, questions are mounting about how Magaya intends to fund these grand projects. Critics argue that if the ministry cannot retain basic furniture and equipment, the feasibility of constructing multi-million-dollar sports facilities remains highly questionable.
Local Authorities Skeptical
Masvingo’s Deputy Mayor, Daniel Mberikunashe, confirmed that the city council would deliberate on Magaya’s proposal in an upcoming full council meeting. While Magaya’s vision could boost local infrastructure and economy, the financial instability surrounding his ministry has raised concerns among potential stakeholders.
A local economist, who preferred to remain anonymous, commented, “This situation is like building castles in the air. The economic environment is harsh, and his financial troubles are too public to ignore. Unless there is a transparent and viable financial model, this might be more of a publicity stunt than a genuine development project.”
What Next for Magaya and PhD Ministries?
As the auction date approaches, all eyes will be on Magaya’s next move. Will he find a way to resolve his financial woes and realize his dream of transforming Zimbabwean football, or is this a sign of a deeper crisis within his ministry?
For now, Zimbabweans remain divided—some hopeful for development and others wary of empty promises. One thing is clear: while Magaya dreams of stadiums, reality is knocking on his ministry’s door, ready to take away more than just plastic chairs.