MIDWEEK SPORTS REPORTER
MASVINGO CITY-Heart Group of Companies managing director, Prophet Walter Magaya has hinted on renaming Yadah FC to be in sync with modern times.
Prophet Magaya conceded that naming a football club after a church was a big blunder and he is in the process of correcting the mistake.
Prophet Magaya disclosed this during the tour of the dilapidated home of football in Masvingo, Mucheke Stadium on Tuesday (18/2/25) for possible renovations for it to host Premier League games in future.
“It is good that we renovate this iconic stadium as it is historical and we can’t just destroy it like that. This stadium carries a lot of history for Masvingo community and most of the support is drawn through this stadium as everyone wants to be associated with the stadium.
“This is the blunder that I made with Yadah FC when I formed the team in 2013 and named it Yadah instead of giving it a name that identifies with a city, town or the community, well it was out of excitement of owning a team but we are correcting that mistake soon.
“The name Yadah limits our support base as some members from certain denominations may not want to be associated with the team saying, ‘it’s Magaya’s team from PHD’ hence we are going to come up with a universal name that appeals to everyone in the not so distant future,” said the towering Prophet.
Meanwhile, City of Masvingo officials led by Chamber Secretary, Vitalis Shonhai appealed to Prophet Magaya to build a new stadium behind Exor Service Centre along Beitbridge that will meet international standards.
Prophet Magaya said renovations for Mucheke Stadium and construction of the new stadium will commence on or before May1 this year subject to council meeting its contractual obligations.
The site had been designated for a new stadium before the 2010 World Cup held in neighbouring South Africa where teams from around the world were expected to set training camps in Masvingo, but this did not materialize due to lack of funds and commitment.
Prophet Magaya said he will install bucket seats at Mucheke Stadium, modern changing rooms, and terraces among other things.
