By Jeremiah Gora
Motorists travelling from Bulawayo towards Harare city centre on Monday, September 28, 2026, will face temporary restrictions along the Bulawayo Road near the National Sports Stadium between 4pm and 9pm as authorities prepare for the Zimbabwe-DR Congo 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier expected to draw about 30,000 football fans.
According to a public notice issued to the Public Relations Manager, the Bulawayo-bound carriageway will be closed to general traffic during the evening match to facilitate the movement of supporters and reduce congestion around the stadium.
“The National Sport Stadium is being used to host an evening match that requires the closure of Bulawayo Road carriageway with motorists plying from Bulawayo into City Centre on the 28 September 2026 between 1600hrs and 2100hrs,” the notice states.
The match is scheduled for Monday evening at the National Sports Stadium, with ZIFA listing kick-off at 6pm.
Authorities said the traffic measures were necessary because of the anticipated large crowd, with approximately 30,000 supporters expected to attend.
“We anticipate congestion due to bigger number of soccer fans who have purchased their advance tickets of about 30,000,” the notice said.
Under the traffic management plan, motorists travelling from Bulawayo towards Harare city centre will be diverted onto alternative routes, including Solomon Mujuru Drive (Kirkman).
A police checkpoint will be established at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Harare Drive, where only match officials and motorists holding official advance tickets will be allowed through towards the stadium.
“Motorists without Official Tickets are diverted into Harare Drive and into Solomon Mujuru Drive,” the notice states.
Motorists travelling out of Harare city centre and passing the National Sports Stadium will, however, be allowed to use the route as normal.
The authorities have urged motorists to take note of the temporary arrangements and use alternative routes to avoid delays during the period of the road closure.
The Zimbabwe-DR Congo fixture marks the Warriors’ return to the National Sports Stadium for international football after a five-year absence.
