By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has officially opened the US$150 000 Kwekwe Sports Arena, describing it as a milestone in promoting sports development, youth empowerment and economic growth in the province.
The state-of-the-art facility, owned by Kwekwe businessman Lucky Dube — popularly known as Baba Love — was commissioned today amid pomp and excitement.
The multipurpose arena, which accommodates up to 2,000 spectators, will host sporting disciplines such as motor spinning, five-a-side soccer, boxing, tennis and basketball. It also features a children’s play centre, a butchery, bottle store and grocery shop and employs 25 people.
Speaking during the official opening Minister Ncube commended Dube for his investment, saying it demonstrated the Second Republic’s drive for private-sector-led economic growth and local empowerment.
“This momentous event showcases the Second Republic’s private-sector-led development trajectory under President Mnangagwa’s leadership. The construction of Kwekwe Sports Arena symbolizes the government’s vision of promoting community-driven development and commercialization of sport,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the facility aligns with the National Youth Empowerment Strategy launched by President Mnangagwa, which seeks to integrate young people into the formal sports economy through skills development and entrepreneurship.
He added that sports infrastructure such as the Kwekwe Sports Arena would not only enhance participation in sport and recreation but also contribute to national unity, tourism and economic development.
“We recognize the pivotal role sports play in promoting national cohesion, wellness and economic growth. Facilities like this open doors for talent identification, business opportunities and job creation,” he said.
Minister Ncube also praised Dube for complementing government efforts through a project that supports local employment and sports tourism.
Speaking at the event Kwekwe Central Member of Parliament Judith Tobaiwa described the newly opened Kwekwe Sports Arena as a game-changer for the city, saying the facility will position Kwekwe as a host for professional sporting events while boosting local talent, tourism, and economic development.
Tobaiwa said the new facility marked a historic milestone for the city and a testament to community unity and progress.
“Today, we celebrate not just the unveiling of a modern sporting facility but the realization of a shared dream — a dream born out of partnership, hard work and deep love for our community,” she said.
Tobaiwa commended Dube for his vision and commitment to community development, noting that the project would help position Kwekwe as a sporting hub in the Midlands Province.
“With this state-of-the-art arena, Kwekwe now has the capacity to host professional sporting events right here in our city of gold. This will not only promote local talent but also boost tourism and economic growth as visitors come to experience our hospitality and the energy of our city,” she said.
The legislator also expressed appreciation to the Kwekwe City Council for availing land for the project, saying the collaboration between the private sector and local authorities was crucial in driving development.
She further called on residents, particularly young people, to embrace sports and positive lifestyles as an alternative to drug and substance abuse.
“We are determined to build a healthy and focused generation — one that chooses sports, education, and innovation over substance abuse. Together we can nurture a community where our youth find purpose and pride in positive activities like this,” she said.
Tobaiwa also highlighted other ongoing development projects in Kwekwe, including the construction of another modern stadium by local businessman Mr. Magodora, which she said would further enhance the city’s sporting infrastructure.
Dube, who expressed gratitude to the government and community for their support, said his vision was to provide a platform for youth engagement and talent development in Kwekwe and beyond.
“This facility is for the community. We want to nurture local talent, promote clean entertainment and help young people stay away from drugs and crime through sport,” Dube said.
The Kwekwe Sports Arena adds to a growing list of modern sporting facilities being developed across the Midlands Province, including projects in Gokwe North and Chachacha, as part of government’s broader infrastructure development under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
The event was attended by local authorities, sports officials, community members and youth organizations, who hailed the project as a beacon of hope for grassroots sports development in the city.
