By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO-
THE long-awaited grand opening of the $94 million (about K620 million) Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka has finally been set for this Sunday, five months ahead of the last dates announced.
With the opening of the Heroes Stadium, Zambia will now be boasting of two master-piece stadia after the Levy Mwanawasa in Ndola, which has been hosting all the Chipolopolo international matches since 2012.
Sports Minister, Chishimba Kambwili, who disclosed this in Lusaka yesterday, also said the 60,000-seater modern facility would host this Sunday’s African Freedom Day celebrations.
Speaking during a Press briefing at his office, Kambwili said the official opening would be mainly characterised by celebrations of the African Freedom Day.
Kambwili said Government was happy with the magnificent structure and that the stadium was now ready for use.
“The stadium will be opened this Sunday and it will be the host for the African Freedom Day celebrations which will fall on Sunday, May 25. We are happy with the structure and we are happy to use it for these celebrations,” Kambwili said.
The opening of the stadium has been held back and extended by about a year to this October following delays to construct access roads to the facility despite the pitch and stands being ready for use.
Kambwili also hinted of the possibility of Zambia having a friendly match later in October against FIFA 2014 World Cup finalists, Ghana.
He said once confirmed, Government wanted the Chipolopolo’s friendly against the Black Stars to be played on October 24 which was Zambia’s Independence Day.
The minister said he had spoken to his Ghanaian counterpart over the game and was awaiting a confirmation from the West African country.
“When I was in Ghana recently, I proposed that we have a football match at the Heroes National Stadium. The Ghanaian Sports Minister is considering this proposal and will give me a feedback,” he said.
He said it would be good that Zambia faces Ghana to open the stadium for matches and also commemorate the nation’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Kambwili also said construction of the access roads would not deter the opening of the stadium this Sunday.
He said the road works would continue even after the stadium opens.