By Flata Kavinga
Hardrock Football Club say they are encouraged by the outcome of a routine inspection of Chahwanda Stadium by Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials, with only a few issues requiring attention ahead of a final assessment.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the inspection today (Wednesday), Hardrock FC board member and Gold Metal Investments general manager Charles Chahwanda said the visit was a preparatory exercise and not the final inspection.
Chahwanda said the inspection team comprised officials responsible for different technical areas, including stadium security, the playing surface and general infrastructure.
“It was one of those routine inspections to prepare us for the final inspection, which is due very soon. We are impressed by the preliminary outcome so far. We have not yet received the official report but following the briefing we are very positive,” he said.
He said inspectors identified only a few areas that required attention, adding that the club had already begun addressing them.
“We have just a few areas to look into, but those are routine issues and they were already being worked on. We remain quite positive,” Chahwanda said.
According to Chahwanda, some members of the inspection team had previously visited the stadium and noted significant improvements since their last assessment.
He said the officials expressed satisfaction with the progress made during the ongoing upgrades.
“When they came in, they were amazed. One of the officials had been here before, so they were able to compare what they saw previously with what they have seen now. They were happy with the progress, and that also gives us confidence,” he said.
CAF has not yet released its official findings from the inspection. The final assessment will determine whether Chahwanda Stadium meets the required standards for hosting CAF-sanctioned matches.
