Most football grounds in the Central Region have failed to meet the minimum requirements to host matches ahead of the 2026 season following a recent inspection exercise conducted by the Central Region Soccer League (CRSL).
The inspections assessed safety, maintenance, and operational standards at stadiums used by clubs in the region. According to a summary released by the league, each member club has now received an individual inspection report outlining areas where their facilities comply with league regulations as well as deficiencies that must be corrected.
Clubs whose grounds were not approved have been instructed to take immediate corrective measures to address the issues identified in their reports.
Only seven venues were cleared to host matches after the inspections. These include Dulibadzimu Stadium, Minda High School Ground, Ronnies Sports Arena, MSU Main Campus Sports Pavilion, Ascot Stadium, Sabiwa Stadium and Bagdad.
However, the majority of facilities inspected failed to meet the required standards. Grounds that were not approved include Mandava Stadium in Zvishavane, Maglass Stadium, Phelandaba Stadium, Mbizo Stadium, Mkoba Stadium, Kotamai Stadium, Maphisa Stadium, Gwanda Prison Grounds, Long John Stadium, Zisco Sports Club, and Gresham Stadium among others.
Zvishavane High School Ground, Tongogogara Battlefields Ground, St Christopher Primary School, JT AFZ Sports Club, Chrome Stadium and Sabi Mine Grounds were also listed among the venues that did not pass the inspection process.
The CRSL has directed all clubs managing non-approved grounds to urgently rectify the identified shortcomings before hosting any league matches.
A mandatory re-inspection will be conducted within seven days from the date of the notice. Grounds that fail to meet the league’s standards during the re-inspection will not be permitted to host Central Region Soccer League matches until all deficiencies have been addressed.
League officials say the inspection exercise is part of efforts to improve match-day safety, infrastructure quality and the overall professionalism of football facilities in the region ahead of the new season.
