Bikita Minerals FC Raises Alarm Over Hazardous Rufaro Stadium Pitch Conditions
Bikita Minerals Football Club has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Rufaro Stadium pitch, warning that it poses a serious risk to player safety. The warning came during the team’s 2-0 victory over Herentals on Saturday, where the club took to their official Facebook page to voice concern just 20 minutes into the match.
“Rufaro (Stadium) turf needs some real work, players slipping and the pitch is a threat to the players,” read the post.
The iconic Harare-based stadium, once hailed as the ceremonial home of Zimbabwean football, is now visibly worn and arguably unfit for hosting top-tier Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches. With the season only 14 games in, the pitch has already become heavily degraded, sparking growing concern among clubs and fans alike.
A key factor contributing to the stadium’s poor condition is its overuse. Four Harare-based PSL teams—Scotland, Herentals, CAPS United, and Dynamos—all use Rufaro as their home ground. In addition to Premier League fixtures, the venue also hosts Northern Region Division One matches and various curtain-raiser events, placing significant strain on the natural grass surface.
The increasing complaints from clubs, including Bikita Minerals, may now compel the City of Harare to act urgently, especially as the PSL enters a brief pause to accommodate upcoming international matches. Football stakeholders are hopeful that this break will be used as an opportunity to implement much-needed maintenance at the venue.
Experts and observers have suggested several improvements to revive the stadium. These include the installation of a modern irrigation system to ensure consistent watering, replacing whitewash with water-based field paint for safer and more sustainable markings, and using electric lawnmowers to maintain an even grass level and reduce surface hazards.
As calls for intervention grow louder, the ball is now in the City of Harare’s court to restore Rufaro Stadium to a condition worthy of top-flight football and, more importantly, safe for the athletes who risk injury every time they step onto its surface.
