CAF Allows 10,000 Fans Back at National Sports Stadium Under Strict Conditions

Zimbabwean football supporters will be allowed to return to the National Sports Stadium next week, but only under strict safety conditions after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) exceptional authorisation to admit a maximum of 10,000 spectators per match.

The conditional approval covers two upcoming fixtures: the Mighty Warriors’ Olympic football qualifier against Malawi on October 13 and Scottland FC’s CAF Champions League encounter against Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, provisionally scheduled for October 17.

The development marks an important step towards restoring spectator access at the country’s biggest football venue following restrictions imposed by CAF after security incidents at the stadium, including the death of a supporter.

Under the new arrangements, attendance will be capped at 10,000 for each match, with supporters restricted to designated and approved sections of the stadium. The measures are intended to improve crowd control and ensure that fans can attend matches in a safer environment.

ZIFA announced the conditional return of spectators on Saturday, emphasising that the safety of supporters, players, officials and other match personnel remains its top priority.

To improve security and manage the movement of spectators, stadium gates will open five hours before kick-off. The early opening is designed to give security personnel sufficient time to screen supporters, regulate entry and guide fans to their allocated seating areas.

The association said ticketing procedures, entry arrangements and parking details for the two matches would be communicated separately.

ZIFA has also issued a strong warning against hooliganism, violence, intimidation, vandalism and attempts to force entry into the stadium. The association said it would adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards such behaviour, with offenders facing possible refusal of entry, removal from the venue or bans from attending future matches.

Supporters will be expected to cooperate with police officers, stadium stewards and match officials throughout the events. They have also been urged to keep access routes and emergency exits clear and report any behaviour that could threaten the safety of others.

Beyond controlling the number of spectators, the conditions require enhanced crowd management, access control and security deployment, alongside improved medical services and emergency response arrangements.

A CAF Safety and Security Officer will monitor the implementation of these measures and assess whether the conditions are being met during the two matches.

The limited reopening does not mean that all restrictions have been lifted. ZIFA warned that failure to comply with CAF’s requirements could lead to further restrictions or the withdrawal of the special authorisation.

The association acknowledged the Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, for providing guarantees to CAF. It also recognised the contribution of security services, medical teams, emergency responders and stadium authorities in preparing for the return of spectators.

CAF’s assessment of the two fixtures and the effectiveness of the corrective measures will be important in determining whether more supporters can be admitted to the National Sports Stadium in future.

For the Mighty Warriors, the opportunity to play their Olympic qualifier before a home crowd could provide a welcome boost as they take on Malawi. Scottland FC will also be hoping to benefit from home support when they host Atlético Petróleos de Luanda in their continental assignment, subject to confirmation of the provisional fixture date.

However, the return of spectators will place considerable responsibility on both organisers and fans. Compliance with the new safety requirements will be crucial if Zimbabwean football is to avoid further restrictions at the venue.

ZIFA has urged supporters to approach the matches with discipline and respect, stressing that maintaining a safe stadium environment will require cooperation from everyone involved.

The association hopes the two fixtures will demonstrate that football can be enjoyed at the National Sports Stadium without compromising the safety of those in attendance.

For now, the 10,000-spectator limit represents a conditional opportunity for fans to return. Whether that opportunity leads to a broader reopening will depend on how effectively the new safety measures are implemented and assessed.