The Sunday Mail
AFTER a long overdue makeover that saw its turf changed from artificial to natural grass, Rufaro could soon have its name altered.
The City Fathers want the Mbare venue to be named after Dynamos’ greatest player of all time – George “Mastermind” Shaya.
Harare City Council Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni last Friday challenged the city’s stakeholders to consider naming the popular stadium after Shaya who won the Soccer Star of the Year a record five times.
Formerly known as the Number One Ground before it was refurbished by the Salisbury City Council in 1972 and renamed Rufaro, this is the stadium where Shaya made his name.
Shaya, who turns 70 in October, and is now suffering from dementia at his home in Glen Norah, was part of the Dynamos side that played Rufaro Rovers during the official opening of Rufaro in 1972.
“Is it not time we took a look at renaming this giant football venue?” asked Manyenyeni at the launch of the Harare City Football Club council primary schools Under-13 boys and girls tournament at Rufaro last Friday.
“With that in mind, I am grateful for the Glen Norah community for hosting, quite recently, a local reception for the best yesteryear soccer star, the Mastermind – George Shaya.
“He has been of frail health lately and on behalf of the residents of Harare, I wish him renewed health.
“I invite public debate on the real possibility of naming this popular soccer stadium in his honour.
“I would be most humbled if such consideration takes place during his lifetime,” said Manyenyeni.
Shaya is regarded in some circles as the most talented player to come out of Zimbabwe and pundits argue had he not played in Rhodesia – when the country wasn’t allowed to export players -– he would have broken into Europe.
Manyenyeni’s sentiments come a few weeks after Lot Chitakasha, guest columnist on The Sunday Mail’s popular football column Sir 18.areas.coms, called for authorities to name Rufaro’s Vietnam Stand after the great Shaya.
It seems the City Fathers want to take it a step further and want Rufaro to be called The George Shaya Stadium
