Barbourfields, Luveve to get a facelift

THE Bulawayo City Council has closed down Barbourfields and Luveve for refurbishments in preparation for the new premiership season.

Premier Soccer League chief executive Kenny Ndebele, who began work yesterday after getting the thumbs up for an extension of his contract by the league management, said the two venues are scheduled to get a facelift in time for the 2013 season and would re-open next month.

Barbourfields is home to giants Highlanders while Luveve has been used by Chicken Inn and relegated side Quelaton. Luveve might also host newboys How Mine this year.

Ndebele said the PSL would soon engage all stakeholders to have most of the stadiums refurbished ahead of the start of the new football season.

"We have received correspondence from the local authorities in Bulawayo informing us that Barbourfields and Luveve will be closed for refurbishments.

"Our desire is to see our playing turf improved. We would also want to work on the turnstiles to improve efficiency at the gates for the fans and to make access to the pitch easy for visiting teams.

We are hoping the city fathers who own football stadiums will also take advantage of the off-season break to work on the grounds," said Ndebele.

The stadiums that will be used in the coming season include National Sports Stadium, Rufaro, Gwanzura, Motor Action Sports Club, Barbourfields, Mandava, Maglas, Morris Depot, Colliery, Sakubva and Luveve.

Four teams that were recently promoted - Triangle, How Mine, Triple B and Black Rhinos - are still to confirm their home grounds.

Ndebele said all the venues would be inspected before the beginning of the matches to make sure that they are up to standard for topflight football.

The league is expected to release the calendar for the year next week after holding consultations with their stakeholders.

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