EDWIN MOYO
Gweru-Castle Lager Premier Soccer League newly promoted Gweru based Sheasham FC have become nomads as they as their home ground, Bata Stadium has been condemned after hosting only one match.
This means that the Construction Boys have to look for another home ground away from home while completing works as per PSL requirements.
The development was confirmed by the PSL media and communications officer, Kudzai Bare in a statement in The Midweek Watch’s possession.
Sheasham’s home ground Bata Stadium was homologated last week by the ZIFA’s Football Instance Board to host matches after being satisfied that major sections of the grounds which include the pitch, media stands and dressing rooms among others were now in good condition.
“This serves to advise that in the interest of all football stakeholders, Bata Stadium will not be hosting Castle Lager Premier Soccer League matches to allow completion of the construction work that is currently taking place at the stadium.
“We applaud Sheasham FC for embarking on such a massive project which will help change the Zimbabwean football landscape,” read the statement.
Last week, the Construction Boys did their home breaking ceremony at the Bata Stadium after hosting the Bulawayo Giants Highlanders FC in a PSL encounter which ended in a nil all stalemate.
Meanwhile, highlighting the major steps taken by Sheasham to renovate the stadium, club chairman, Reginald Chidawanyika last week said the ground was almost 60℅ complete.
Some of the sections awaiting completion include the fans terraces among others where construction is currently ongoing.
However, football lovers in Gweru have received the development with shock saying the decision is not football oriented.
“This decision is not for the good of the beautiful game, why ban only Bata Stadium when there are many that are under rehabilitation among them Mandava and Baobab. It’s unfair,” said a staunch Construction Boys follower, Rodwell Muyambo of Ascot Suburb.
The cost of rehabilitating the whole stadium is pegged at US$ 250 000.
