Harare | In a significant development for Zimbabwean football, FIFA has bestowed its prestigious certification upon the Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field, affirming its compliance with the highest standards expected of top-tier stadiums worldwide.
The certificate, adorned with FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s signature, serves as a golden emblem of recognition for those instrumental in the realization of the Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field project.
“FIFA is pleased to confirm that the football turf system SPINE TURF S, has been installed by Hatko Dokuma ve Tekstil Insaat ve Tic.Ltd.Sti, at Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field – Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field – Harare (Zimbabwe),” reads the certificate, signed by Infantino.
The certification attests that the installation has undergone rigorous testing and has met the stringent criteria outlined in the ‘FIFA QUALITY PROGRAMME FOR FOOTBALL TURF – FIFA QUALITY’ standard. With a validity period extending from April 2, 2024, to April 1, 2027, the Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field now stands as a beacon of excellence in sporting infrastructure, designated with field number 1018255 and re-test number 0.
This recognition arrives at a crucial juncture for Zimbabwean football, which has long sought a stadium capable of hosting high-profile matches, including those of the national team, the Warriors. Last year, the Warriors were compelled to stage their World Cup qualifier in Rwanda due to the absence of a suitable venue on home soil.
Had the Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field been equipped with requisite facilities such as bucket seats, toilets, and other modern amenities, it could have been the venue for the Warriors’ upcoming World Cup qualifier against Lesotho in June.
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The commendable efforts of private entities, namely Geo Pomona Waste Management and PHD Ministries led by Prophet Walter Magaya, have significantly contributed to the development of top-tier football pitches within the capital in recent months. Their initiatives have garnered government endorsement, marking a collaborative stride towards enhancing sporting infrastructure in Zimbabwe.
Hatko, the company responsible for laying the field, prides itself on pioneering innovative systems designed to optimize gaming comfort and prolong play hours while minimizing maintenance costs across diverse climatic conditions. With a track record spanning two years as FIFA licensees, Hatko has undertaken projects worldwide, including in South Korea, Chile, England, Nigeria, and beyond. Their portfolio includes the construction of stadiums that hosted prestigious events such as the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and the Khaleej Cup.
The FIFA certification not only validates the Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field’s adherence to international standards but also underscores the potential for private sector collaboration to drive impactful developments in sports infrastructure.
As Zimbabwe’s football landscape evolves, investments in facilities like the Geo Pomona Waste Management Football Field set a promising precedent for the future of the sport in the country.
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