By Jeremiah Gora
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has announced enhanced matchday arrangements for this evening’s U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Zimbabwe and Mauritius at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, following the death of a football fan at the same venue during Monday’s senior national team clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ZIFA said all turnstiles and ticket scanners had been tested and were operational, while additional stewards and enhanced security measures would be deployed to facilitate the movement of supporters.
“All turnstiles and ticket scanners have been tested and are working to facilitate smooth entry,” ZIFA said in a statement issued ahead of the match.
The association said parking at the stadium would be free as part of measures to reduce congestion and ease access for motorists.
“Additional stewards will be deployed to assist supporters, while enhanced security arrangements are in place to safeguard everyone attending,” the association said.
ZIFA also warned supporters that no tickets would be sold at the stadium, urging fans to secure their tickets before travelling to the venue.
“Fans must note that no tickets will be sold at the match venue. Please purchase your tickets before travelling to the stadium,” ZIFA said.
The measures come two days after a fatal incident at the National Sports Stadium during Zimbabwe’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the DRC.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed that one person died during a stampede at Gate Two at around 6.30pm as the match got underway, with investigations launched into a fatal incident involving a police public-order vehicle and a pedestrian.
The tragedy has raised renewed concerns over crowd management and access control at the recently refurbished stadium, with authorities now under pressure to prevent a repeat during tonight’s fixture.
ZIFA urged supporters attending the U23 encounter to arrive early, use the designated entrance indicated on their tickets and have their tickets ready for scanning.
“Fans are encouraged to arrive early, use the designated entry gate indicated on their ticket, have their tickets ready for scanning and cooperate with stewards and security officials,” the association said.
ZIFA added that it was working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that entry, movement inside the stadium and departure after the match were managed efficiently.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has expressed condolences to the family of the fan who died during Monday’s incident and said Government was working with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sports and Recreation Commission and ZIFA to establish what happened.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Lt Gen (Rtd) Amb Anselem Sanyatwe said the incident occurred after fans broke down a gate while attempting to gain entry through unauthorised means.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I learnt of the unfortunate and untimely passing on of a passionate football fan, following an incident at the National Sports Stadium where fans broke down a gate in an attempt to gain access into the stadium through unauthorized means,” the minister said.
He said efforts to disperse the crowd subsequently resulted in the fatal incident.
Government, he added, was also aware that other supporters had been injured.
“We have also been informed that some fans sustained injuries during the incident. I wish them a speedy and full recovery and assure the nation that Government is monitoring their condition closely,” Hon Sanyatwe said.
He said investigations were underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The Government of Zimbabwe is working flat out with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Sports and Recreation Commission and ZIFA to ensure that this incident is fully and thoroughly investigated to establish the cause of this unfortunate incident,” he said.
Hon Sanyatwe said the Government would review crowd-management protocols, access-control measures and emergency-response systems at sporting facilities.
“The safety and security of fans, players and officials at all sporting events remains a top priority for Government,” he said.
The minister also announced that Government processes were underway to ensure the deceased supporter receives a decent burial.
Tonight’s Zimbabwe-Mauritius U23 qualifier is scheduled for 6pm at the National Sports Stadium, according to ZIFA’s official ticketing platform.
