THE Premier Soccer League has banned the use of two stadiums – Ascot in Gweru and Sakubva in Mutare – ahead of the new season.
Ascot is the home to Chapungu and was also play host to newly promoted Hwahwa while Buffaloes play their home matches at Sakubva.
A Zifa grounds committee, chaired by PSL chairman Twine Phiri and Caf instructor Wilfred Mukuna ruled last week that both venues are not suitable to host PSL matches and renovations have to be made if they are to be used this season.
PSL chief executive Kenny Ndebele said both stadia were in bad shape and dangerous to the players and fans.
The perimeter fences and outside walls are dilapidated and, in the event SuperSport wants to screen some of the matches live from there, there is not enough security for their equipment.
This means Chapungu and Hwahwa could relocate to Kwekwe’s Mbizo or Zvishavane, where there is Mandava and Maglas, both approved for use.
For Buffaloes, the nearest venue could be Vhengere in Rusape, which will be home to newly promoted Dongo Sawmills. Rusape Town Council has already set aside $60,000 to renovate the stadium to meet PSL standards.
The grounds committee has also approved White City and Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo.
White City will be used by new side Tsholotsho and was recently renovated, alongside Luveve, for the December 2014 Region Five Games.
Barbourfields was also approved but the dugout of the home side was deemed to be too close to the centre line and could disturb the fourth official. This means it has to be moved by a further metre to the left side.
Mandava, in Zvishavane, is expected to host Caf Confederation Cup matches when FC Platinum start their 2015 campaign.
In Harare the grounds committee will this week tour the National Sports Stadium and Rufaro, which are expected to pass the tests while Gwanzura needs some attention to the perimeter wall.
Inspection of the venues for the 2015 season has delayed the release of the 2015 fixtures, although this could be done by the time the league hosts its Annual General Meeting, a week before the season kicks off on March 7.
This weekend, the PSL will conduct an induction course for the newly promoted sides Hwahwa, Flame Lily, Tsholotsho and Dongo in Harare.Advertisement