Harare City Council Leases Stadiums to Premier League Clubs

The Harare City Council has sealed landmark agreements with three Premier Soccer League clubs, handing them long-term leases to revive previously idle stadiums.

Under the arrangement, Gwanzura Stadium has been allocated to CAPS United, Mabvuku Stadium to Scottland FC, and Dzivarasekwa Stadium to Herentals College FC. All three clubs will be responsible for renovating the facilities to meet Premier Soccer League standards.

Harare mayor Jacob Mafume confirmed the development during CAPS United’s sponsorship unveiling ceremony on Friday.

“We have given Gwanzura Stadium to CAPS United on a long lease and Mabvuku Stadium to Scottland FC. Dzivarasekwa Stadium has been allocated to Herentals College FC. The clubs will develop the grounds,” Mafume said.
“Rufaro Stadium, being a bigger facility, will remain open for use by any club. It is important for these sporting facilities to be managed in partnership with clubs so they can be tied to both the fans and the sports economy.”

The arrangement sets the stage for CAPS United’s emotional return to Highfield, where the Green Machine built its legacy during its early glory days at Gwanzura.

Scottland FC will also benefit from the move, shifting closer to its roots in Mabvuku—the home ground of its owner, businessman and Member of Parliament, Scott Sakupwanya.

The three stadiums last hosted top-flight football several years ago, but with the new leases, they are set to come back to life as vibrant hubs of Zimbabwean football.