DeMbare driving for more than 7 million fans
In an unpresidential situation, Dynamos Football Club, the time has come to demonstrate the strength of their support, with a move that reflects the backing of their seven million loyal fans.
As the Harare’s National Sports Stadium, DeMbare, is under renovation.
The Premier Soccer League organisers had requested, the Premier Soccer League teams to seek temporary homes for their home games leading the Glamour boys to set their sights on Bulawayo’s iconic Barbourfields Stadium.
The league had to temporarily suspend games to allow time for the stadiums requiring attention to be attended to as playing in empty stadia was going to cost clubs. Each team was asked to submit names of two stadiums it could use for their home matches. Dynamos which says it enjoys support of half the population, failed to meet the June 16 deadline but has indicated that it is finalising lease agreements with Bulawayo City Council and Sheasham Football Club for the use of Barbourfields Stadium and Bata Stadium. (chronicle source)
The CEO of Dynamos, Jonathan Mashingaidze, said they were tying up loose ends in both deals and said the supporters should be involved in the agreement one way or the other as the games will be played outside Harare.
“As we wait for the completion of works at Rufaro Stadium, we’ve registered Barbourfields and Bata as our alternative venues…”
“Moving outside the capital is an opportunity to expand our fan base, promote road shows and secure a deal with Zupco for discounted fares as our fans will be travelling even for the home matches. This endeavour is also an invitation to embrace football tourism as Dynamos celebrates its 60 years of existence. Every corner of Zimbabwe should partake in the festivities to celebrate the maturity of our club, he said.”
By relocating to Barbourfields Stadium, Dynamos will share the revered venue with Bulawayo’s traditional giants, Highlanders. Meanwhile, Bata Stadium, the home of Sheasham, has attracted considerable interest from Black Rhinos, Caps United and Dynamos, indicating a desire for it to become their secondary alternative stadium. FC Platinum, with their Mandava Stadium, has also included Bata as a backup venue despite maintaining complete control over their home ground.
Simba Bhora, awaiting the completion of Wadzanai Stadium, have designated Ngezi Platinum Stars’ Baobab Stadium as their temporary home. Manica Diamonds, on the other hand, have registered Triangle United’s Gibbo Stadium, which they have shared with Greenfuel FC. Both Manica Diamonds and Greenfuel have made significant progress in renovating their Sakubva and Chisumbanje homes respectively.
The Premier Soccer League is reportedly working on securing Morris Depot which some of the Harare-based clubs could use as their home ground. Bulawayo clubs, Highlanders, Chicken Inn and Bulawayo Chiefs are not affected by the stadium predicament as they have Barbourfields and Luveve stadiums. (source DeMbare news)
These clubs can therefore, continue to focus on their football endeavours without worrying about stadiums.
