One of the country’s most iconic sports facilities, the Independence Stadium, is on Saturday set to host it’s first football match in eight years as Green Buffaloes takes on Lusaka Dynamos in a Week 21 MTN/FAZ Super League fixture.
Green Buffaloes will as from Saturday start using the stadium as their home ground. The Zambia Army sponsored side have given a facelift to the stadium which has in the past hosted some of the most memorable matches for the national soccer team.
The 50-year-old facility was first closed in 2004 by the then sports minister citing safety concerns due to the age and status of the building. The order was repealed in 2005, though safety concerns remained. However, in 2007 the stadium was closed in order to pave way for renovations aimed at bringing its structure and facilities up to internationally accepted standards as well as dealing with its various safety issues.
Meanwhile, with Shinde stadium not allowed to host any games, legendary cup fighters ‘Mighty’ Mufulira Wanderers have settled for Luanshya’s Kafubu Stadium as their base.
FAZ-MTN Super League Week 21 Fixtures:
Rangers vs Nkwazi
Buffaloes vs L. Dynamos Independence
Blades vs Assembly l
Napsa vs Zanaco
Arrows vs Zesco
Nakambala vs Forest
Nkana vs Eagles
Wanderers vs Power Kafubu.