By Tendai Chisiri
The state of the art 5-000 seated Heart Stadium constructed by founder and owner of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries Prophet Walter Magaya was officially opened by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Waterfalls on Sunday.
The grand opening which was attended by PHD Ministries congregants, Sports minister, top government officials and football stakeholders was lively as the great milestone portrays one of the achievements of the Second Republic.
His Excellency was mesmerised by the change rooms which are of the international standards as they have closets where player jerseys are available before the match and massaging equipment.
Speaking to the gathering after the tour of the stadium and the cut of the ribbon to officially open the stadium, His Excellency said ” I saw where the players change before the matches. Really that is awesome and it shows how modernized the stadium is “.
He had also applauded the whole place for being magnificent. “I didn’t knew that we have such a nice place here in Waterfalls” he exclaimed.
“I must highlight that, when Prophet Magaya came to see me at State House to invite me to open this facility, I asked him twice to check if what I was seeing in the pictures was really on the ground. Having toured the infrastructure, I am truly impressed. Well done, you did a great job, therefore, I extend my hearty congratulations to the Founder of Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance Ministries, Prophet Walter Magaya, together with the congregants of the Church for completing this impressive facility”, His Excellency said.
President Mnangagwa challenged other individuals and corporates to take up opportunities in the development of sport and sporting infrastructure.
“In this particular instance, sports development must never be the responsibility of the central Government alone. I further challenge more of our citizens, sports persons 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 the international best practices”, he added.
Prophet Walter Magaya started Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance Ministries, in 2012 at Raylton Sports Club field with only 45 worshippers and has appropriately started blending aspects of spiritual and physical needs for communities. By starting at Raylton Sports Club shows his passion for sport.
Magaya said in future the stadium will be expanded as there is room for its expansion . The 5-000 seater was likened by some to the grounds in Rwanda where Zimbabwe senior men football national team is playing their home games.
“I am humbled to see this stadium being commissioned by President Mnangagwa,” said Magaya.
“This is a project that I started with passion. It is not a ground for my own use or for use by Yadah Stars.It is for this country and football. I love this game with all my heart hence developments such as this”.
“I know Dynamos and Ngezi Platinum Stars are going to represent the country in the African club competitions next year. These are our teams and we can’t have them play their home matches away from home”, Magaya said.
“We will expand this stadium to a 10-000seater by February next year and we hope to host the national teams” he added.
Magaya said the works at his church premises is driven by national philosophy that “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo” as everyday congregants come and help, dong various works for the construction.
According to the clergyman, the state-of-the-art stadium is a replica of the home of English Championship side Swansea City, the Swansea Stadium and it boosts a world class suspended pitch, which enables an efficient drainage system.
The ZIFA normalisation committee was not available at the grand official opening although the fired former ZIFA members Wilson Mutekede and Xolisani Gwesela graced the occasion showing they have buried the hatched towards their dismissal.
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