Walter Magaya, the owner of the Heart Group which owns the Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare, has threatened to sue ZIFA Normalisation Committee chairperson Lincoln Mutasa.
This comes after ZIFA condemned the stadium as unfit to host international matches.
In a statement on August 5, the ZIFA Normalisation Committee claimed that during preliminary inspections, the Heart Stadium failed to produce a required Stadium Safety and Security Certificate.
The statement also alleged that the stadium lacks a media tribune, a designated area for vulnerable people, and its ablution facilities do not meet standards.
However, through his lawyer Admire Rubaya, Magaya has refuted these claims, accusing Mutasa of having an “insatiable” desire to destroy his football investments.
In a letter of demand dated August 6, the Heart Group stated that Mutasa or ZIFA had never actually inspected the stadium.
The Heart Group has demanded that Mutasa retract his statement or face a US$1 million lawsuit in damages for allegedly lying about the status of their stadium. Part of the letter reads:
<blockquote>
Our client was shocked that you claim to have conducted preliminary inspections of the Heart Stadium regards its suitability to host Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos Football Clubs’ preliminary CAF Competitions Fixtures.
It is very unprofessional for you to communicate falsehoods to the nation in the absence of a physical inspection.
Our client wants you to advise the nation as to when you requested to formally conduct the so-called preliminary inspections specifically to ascertain if our client’s stadium is suitable to host the CAF Competitions Fixtures.
Our client instructs that it never received any formal request from ZIFA regards being had to the alleged preliminary inspection.
Furthermore, it challenges you to provide the nation with that request as well as the invitation and/or confirmation from the Heart Stadium administration authorising you to visit his state-of-the-art stadium for the preliminary inspections.
If you do not produce the same, it simply means that you have misled our football-loving nation.
One wonders why you would stoop so low for purposes of claiming that you had done preliminary inspections yet none have been conducted.
It is our client’s contention that you have an insatiable appetite to destroy our client’s reputation in circumstances where your role is to administer Zimbabwean football to be world-class.
</blockquote>
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Walter Magaya owns the Heart Stadium, but ZIFA said it's not good for international games. Magaya says ZIFA is lying and wants $1 million in damages. ZIFA claimed the stadium is not safe and lacks things like media tribunes and proper toilets. Magaya's lawyer says ZIFA never actually inspected the stadium. Magaya wants ZIFA to show proof of inspection or else he will sue. Magaya thinks ZIFA is trying to ruin his reputation. The dispute is still ongoing.

Magaya Threatens ZIFA With US$1 Million Lawsuit For Condemning The Heart Stadium

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has refuted reports claiming that Walter Magaya’s The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare, is fit to host preliminary fixtures for Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos FC in their respective CAF competitions.
Last week, some football stakeholders criticized the ZIFA Normalisation Committee for allegedly ignoring a call by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for member federations to submit names of stadiums to be assessed for hosting inter-club competitions.
CAF had issued a statement through their Tournament and Events Director, Samson Adamu, requesting federations to provide the names of their facilities for evaluation.
While some associations, such as the Football Association of Malawi and the Kenyan FA, promptly responded to this opportunity, the ZIFA reportedly failed to take any action before the deadline lapsed.
Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Farai Jere was quoted as saying Heart Stadium was built with CAF guidelines and it stood a better chance of approval.
However, in a statement issued on Monday, August 5, ZIFA asserted that it had done everything in its power to ensure that Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos FC were able to host their home matches for the CAF inter-club competitions within Zimbabwe.
Despite these efforts, ZIFA said that The Heart Stadium is not fit to host CAF matches due to substandard toilet facilities and the lack of a media tribune, among other deficiencies. ZIFA said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Football Association wishes to address the recent misleading reports regarding the status of Heart Stadium and its capability to host Ngezi Platinum Stars’ and Dynamos FC’s preliminary fixtures in their respective CAF competitions.
The Association would like to clarify that all necessary procedures were meticulously followed by the Club Licencing Department, in accordance with CAF directives, to try and assist the clubs in playing their home games in Zimbabwe.
However, during preliminary inspections, Heart Stadium was unable to produce a Stadium Safety and Security Certificate as required by the process. Consequently, the facility could not be sanctioned.
Additionally, the stadium lacks a media tribune, a designated area for vulnerable people, and its ablution facilities do not meet the required standards.
We trust this statement clarifies the situation and rectifies any misinformation that has been circulating.
</blockquote>
Ngezi Platinum Stars are set to host AS Maniema of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Heroes Stadium in Zambia, while Dynamos will host ZESCO United of Zambia at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA is saying Walter Magaya's stadium is not good enough for CAF games. Some people said the stadium was fine, but ZIFA checked and found problems with toilets and media areas. They tried to help Ngezi Platinum Stars and Dynamos FC play in Zimbabwe, but the stadium didn't meet the standards. Now the teams will play in Zambia and Botswana instead. ZIFA did what they could to help, but the stadium wasn't safe enough for CAF games.

ZIFA Refutes Claims Of Walter Magaya's Stadium Being Fit For CAF Competitions

Yadah Football Club’s home ground, The Heart Stadium has resumed hosting Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches.
The newly-built stadium, which is located in Waterfalls, Harare, last hosted a PSL match a fortnight ago when the Miracle Boys beat Chicken Inn 2-1.
In their next home game, the Walter Magaya-owned Yadah Stars hosted CAPS United at Rufaro Stadium on 11 May.
According a <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zifa-suspends-magayas-heart-stadium/">NewZimbabwe.com</a>, the stadium was suspended by the ZIFA’s First Instance Board due to the unavailability of toilets amid reports that the football venue relied on mobile toilets.
However, <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/sport/article/200026958/yadah-fume-over-caps-match">NewsDay</a> cited a Yadah official as saying there were fears regarding the Heart Stadium’s capacity to hold a large number of fans given that CAPS United is arguably among the three most supported clubs in the country’s topflight. Said the official:
<blockquote>
We built the Heart Stadium for such occasions and when we are deprived of hosting such big games, then it defeats the whole purpose. We had made all the logistics to stage the big game.
We are used to handling huge crowds. We are obviously disappointed that they took away the opportunity from us. We were robbed of our home advantage.
We were surprised to read in some sections of the media that we do not have enough toilets. We have enough public toilets in the stadium and around the whole Yadah complex.
Those who have been at the stadium know and can testify. We have better toilets than almost all, if not all the stadiums, in the country.
</blockquote>
The Stadium’s capacity currently stands at 5,000, yet a paltry crowd of 1,800 fans paid to watch the Yadah versus CAPS United match at Rufaro Stadium.
PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare told NewsDay that they thought it would be safer to move the match to Rufaro Stadium. She said:
<blockquote>
We just looked at the magnitude of the game, and after consultation with our stakeholders, we just felt it is safer for the match [against Caps United] to be played at Rufaro Stadium. As far as we are concerned, Heart Stadium has not been suspended by the FIB.
</blockquote>
Yadah lost the “home away from home” match against Makekepeke 0-1 courtesy of a William Manondo injury-time goal.
Yadah’s midweek home fixture against FC Platinum on Wednesday (today) has been scheduled for the Heart Stadium.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Walter Magaya’s The Heart Stadium Resumes Hosting Of PSL Matches

Mozambican football champions Clube Ferroviario Beira will hold a five-day training camp at the Heart Stadium in Harare.
The club, which turned 100 years old this year following its formation in 1924, will play in the CAF Champions League this year.
According to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/moza-champs-choose-heart-stadium-for-training-camp/">H-Metro</a>, Clube Ferroviario Beira will be based at the Yadah Hotel complex during their five-day stay in Harare.
This will be a huge boost to Harare-based cleric Walter Magaya who had sports tourism in mind when his ministry built the stadium.
The Heart Stadium, constructed in Waterfalls, was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday, 10 December 2023.
The stadium, currently accommodating 5 000 people, is expected to eventually have a capacity of 40 000.
Local football stakeholders hope that the facility will meet CAF standards, making it a potential venue for Zimbabwean clubs participating in CAF’s inter-club competitions this year.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mozambican Football Champions To Train At Heart Stadium

The ZIFA Normalisation Committee members boycotted the official opening of The Heart Stadium owned by the founder and leader of Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Walter_Magaya">Walter Magaya</a>. despite reportedly receiving an official invitation.
Top Government officials including President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry and her deputy Emily Jesaya as well as Defence and Tourism ministers Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Barbara Rwodzi attended the ceremony.
However, ZIFA chairman Lincoln Mutasa and his deputy Cynthia Malaba as well as committee member Sikhumbuzo Ndebele did not attend the event.
Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) board chairman Gerald Mlotshwa expressed concern over the development. He said:
<blockquote>
I note that ZIFA Normalisation Committee notwithstanding specific invitations is not here representing football.
We will attend to this pettiness from the Normalisation Committee.
</blockquote>
According to the <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/zifa-nc-snub-heart-stadium-commissioning/">Chronicle</a>,  the ZIFA NC ignored invitations from Magaya to attend the ground-breaking ceremony on 15 August when construction of the 5 000-seater facility started.
The ZIFA officials also snubbed an invitation to assess progress at the venue in September.
Meanwhile, the sacked ZIFA trio Xolisani Gwesela, Wellington Mpandare and Wilson Mutekede attended Sunday’s ceremony.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZIFA Normalisation Committee Snub Magaya's Stadium Commissioning

The founder and leader of Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Walter_Magaya">Walter Magaya</a>, has revealed plans to build stadiums in his hometown Chitungwiza.
Magaya has already built a 5 000-seater stadium in Waterfalls, Harare, called The Heart Stadium which was commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Sunday.
The cleric said he sold four houses, two luxury cars and 64 residential stands to fund The Heart Stadium project.
Speaking at the ceremony, Magaya said a few years ago, he proposed a deal to the Chitungwiza Town Council to renovate Chibuku Stadium.
He wanted to use the stadium as a home ground for his Premier Soccer League club Yadah Stars FC. NewsDay quoted Magaya as saying:
<blockquote>
Your Excellency, we have approached different city councils, looking first at Chitungwiza where I come from.
I wish to construct a stadium in Chitungwiza and replicate the same that is here, at Chibuku Stadium.
I have engaged the Chitungwiza City Council, but the response is not yet favourable.
It is my prayer that I assist Chitungwiza. If they give me a green light today, I will start work the next day.
</blockquote>
He said he wanted to build two stadiums in the dormitory town. Magaya said:
<blockquote>
I want to build two stadiums there. I have the stadium plans, and everything is ready, but they (councillors) are slow.
They don’t react, I don’t know why. I want to renovate Chibuku Stadium, I want to construct a stadium in Zengeza.
I’m ready, I have guys behind the scenes who are ready to sponsor. I have big plans for Chitungwiza, I want to build that city.
I went there four years ago; I went there again two years ago so this was my third visit there.
I met the full council and I told them I wanted to build Chitungwiza and bring it to life.
There are a million people in Chitungwiza and these guys need help, so my dream is to build them stadiums.
</blockquote>
The commissioning of The Heart Stadium was attended by top government officials, ambassadors, businesspeople, Premier Soccer League bosses, coaches, and retired and present footballers, among others.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Walter Magaya Reveals Plans For Chitungwiza

The founder and leader of Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries, Walter Magaya, says he sold a number of his prime assets to raise funds to build the Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare.
The stadium was built in just two months and is set to be officially opened tomorrow, 10 December.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.hmetro.co.zw/magaya-sold-prime-assets-to-fund-his-heart-stadium/">Zimpapers Sport</a>, Magaya, who also owns the Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Yadah Stars, said he sold most of his priced possessions to fund the project.
Magaya, however, did not disclose the assets he parted with to fund the building of the stadium which is a duplicate of the Swansea Stadium in South Wales. He said:
<blockquote>
This was driven by my heart. I can tell you that I had to sell some of my assets just to kick-start this project…
I am happy the project will now be commissioned and it’s not for my use. It’s for football. I love football and this is for the game that I like the most.
I am a relieved man right now, the past two months or so have been very hectic.
I am humbled that the experts and top Government officials have been in support of this project right from the day we laid the first brick.
I salute the workers and volunteers from my church who worked day and night to make sure that this project saw the light of the day.
</blockquote>
Magaya said that once complete, the 5 000-seater stadium will accommodate up to 40 000 people.
The clergyman has invited top Government officials and key football stakeholders to attend the official opening ceremony.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

"Magaya Sold Prime Assets To Fund Heart Stadium Construction"

The construction of the first phase of The Heart Stadium in Waterfalls, Harare, is now complete and the commissioning of the facility is set for Sunday, 10 December.
The commissioning of the stadium was initially scheduled for last month but was then deferred at the eleventh hour.
The Yadah Football Club founder and president Walter Magaya was quoted by <a href="https://www.soccer24.co.zw/2023/12/06/magayas-the-heart-stadium-set-to-be-opened-on-sunday/">Soccer24</a> as saying that once complete, the stadium will accommodate up to 40 000 people. He said:
<blockquote>
We will invite the ZIFA FIB (First Instance Board) to inspect the stadium, and any other stakeholders to participate in our endeavour to make sure we build a world-class facility.
We are starting with a 5 000-seater facility but the full capacity when completed is 40 000.
We aim to allow other clubs to use the facility. We are putting dressing rooms that meet the Premier Soccer League and CAF requirements.
</blockquote>
The Heart Stadium is a duplicate of the Swansea Stadium in South Wales.
Football stakeholders hope that the facility will meet CAF standards to be a venue for Zimbabwean clubs that will take part in CAF’s inter-club competitions next year.
Currently, the country has no stadium certified to host international matches.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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