Harare's Chinese-built stadium ready for 2010

China, which built that stadium, has been assisting Zimbabwe in the refurbishment, according to a report circulated on Friday, 17 April, 2009 by Stellenbosch University's Centre for Chinese Studies.

Tendai Chiwanza, the project engineer, said phase one of the renovations that included installing a new giant screen and improving the public address system was almost complete. "We expect to complete phase one any time next month and thereafter begin work on phase two," he said.

Phase two would involve making improvements on the playing ground. "We are confident that we will meet the 2010 deadline and complete all renovations by that time," he said.

The stadium will be used for Independence Day celebrations this weekend.

The Zimbabweans would like international teams to the World Cup to camp in Zimbabwe during the month-long finals. The Zimbabwe Football Association said a number of teams including Brazil and New Zealand have already expressed an interest in using facilities in the country.

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