Harare is again facing a stadium crisis ahead of the 2026 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season.
The capital only has one venue – Rufaro Stadium – currently available, with less than a month before the start of the season. Five teams – CAPS United, Dynamos, Herentals, Scottland and newly promoted side Hunters FC – are likely to use the Harare ground.
Scottland are building their own 15,000-seater stadium in Mabvuku, but the defending champions might be forced to use an alternative venue in the early stages of the season as construction works are still ongoing.
Hunters FC used Marondera’s Rudhaka Stadium in Division One last year, but the venue requires extensive renovations to meet PSL standards.
Apart from Rufaro Stadium, Harare also has Heart Stadium, which is capable of hosting PSL games, but its availability lies with owners Yadah FC.
The Miracle Boys are now in Division One, and the different league fixture schedules might limit top-flight teams in Harare from using the stadium regularly.
The National Sports Stadium is still undergoing extensive renovations and is unlikely to be available at the start of the campaign.
Norton’s Ngoni Stadium could also be available for Harare teams to use, but MWOS will be the official home team at the venue.
Other stadiums in Harare – Gwanzura and Dzvivarasekwa – which were leased to CAPS United and Herentals respectively, are still in a bad state just weeks before the start of the season.
Elsewhere, Manica Diamonds will be forced to find an alternative home after the Mutare City Council announced that Sakubva Stadium will not be available this year as they carry out extensive renovations.
The Gem Boys are targeting either Greenfuel Arena in Chisumbanje or Gibbo Stadium, which they would share with Triangle United.
Newly promoted side Hardrock FC are hoping to use their newly constructed Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe.
The high-standard venue is expected to be officially opened this month.
Another newly promoted side, Agama FC, are likely to use Wadzanayi Stadium in Shamva, which is the nearest venue capable of hosting PSL games from their base in Mt Darwin. They are expected to share it with former champions Simba Bhora.
In Bulawayo, league returnees Bulawayo Chiefs are expected to share Luveve Stadium with Chicken Inn, while Barbourfields Stadium will be available for Highlanders.
Both Chicken Inn and Chiefs could use Barbourfields Stadium for big games.
ZPC Kariba are expected to retain Nyamhunga Stadium as their home ground, while FC Platinum will use their usual home, Mandava Stadium.
Gweru-based side TelOne have either Ascot Stadium or Bata Stadium to choose from, depending on availability.
Meanwhile, the league season is expected to start during the weekend of March 6–8.
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