Staff Reporter
In a significant development for Zimbabwean sports, President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially opened the Prophet Walter Magaya’s Heart Stadium in Harare.
The ceremony, marked by the presence of Government officials and key figures in the football community, heralds a new era in the nation's sporting infrastructure.
During the ceremony, President Mnangagwa highlighted the stadium's alignment with Zimbabwe’s developmental philosophy.
The President expressed, "Further, this project demonstrates to us that the church, PHD Ministries, is walking in the understanding of our national development philosophy that ‘Nyika inovakwa, igotongwa, igonamatigwa nevene vayo’. Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.’’
The President further challenged other stakeholders in sports to follow Prophet Magaya’s example, saying, "I further challenge more of our citizens, sportspersons, and private sector players to take up opportunities in the sector towards developing modern sporting facilities. It is praiseworthy that this stadium was constructed in keeping with international best practices, including the guidelines of the Confederation of African Football."
Emphasising the importance of internally driven development initiatives, President Mnangagwa said, “We should not look at internally driven development initiatives as being inferior to those from outside.”
President Mnangagwa urged the media to honestly report on the country's development milestones. He pointed out that many are unaware of such impressive infrastructure in Waterfalls.
President Mnangagwa also stressed the collective responsibility in building the nation, stating, “All of us, both here at home and in the Diaspora, have a role to play in building the ‘Zimbabwe we all want’. In this particular instance, sports development must never be the responsibility of the central Government alone.”
Prophet Magaya, speaking at the event, expressed his vision to replicate the Heart Stadium's success elsewhere, including at Chibuku Stadium in Chitungwiza and at the New City in Mt. Hampden.
The Prophet emphasised that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo" and declared PHD Ministries’ readiness to partner with the Government in national development.
Prophet Magaya warmly invited other teams to use the complex, saying, “Any team that wishes to use our complex, from the hotel facilities to Arena B and the main stadium, is welcome.”
Meanwhile, the Heart Stadium, poised to seat 40,000 people upon completion, forms part of a larger sports centre developed by PHD Ministries and Yadah Football Club owner Prophet Magaya.
Plans for the centre include an aquatics centre, a football hall of fame, track and field facilities, and a gym that is already in the works.
This monumental project not only boosts Zimbabwe's sports infrastructure but also embodies the spirit of national progress and community collaboration.
The Heart Stadium stands as a testament to the potential of private-public partnerships in fostering national development and sports excellence.
