Harare motorists have been warned to brace for congestion on Monday as thousands of football fans descend on the National Sports Stadium for the Warriors’ Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Zimbabwe will host the DRC on September 28, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm, in the Warriors’ first competitive international match at the National Sports Stadium since their return to the refurbished venue.
The expected influx of supporters has prompted traffic authorities to introduce measures along Bulawayo Road, particularly for motorists travelling towards Harare city centre.
According to a notice from the Chief Traffic Officer dated September 18, the Bulawayo Road carriageway carrying traffic from Bulawayo towards the city centre will be closed between 4pm and 9pm.
Police anticipate congestion as about 30,000 football fans are expected to attend the match, according to the traffic notice.
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“Hence the need for advance notice to motorists as a way to decongest the road,” the Chief Traffic Officer said.
Motorists heading into the city centre have been advised to use alternative routes such as Solomon Mujuru Drive, commonly known as Kirkman Road.
A police checkpoint will also be established at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Harare Drive. Only match officials and motorists holding official advance tickets will be allowed through, while motorists without tickets will be diverted via Harare Drive and Solomon Mujuru Drive.
The traffic restrictions are expected to coincide with the evening rush hour, raising the prospect of significant delays for commuters travelling through the western approaches to the city.
The Warriors-DRC clash is part of Zimbabwe’s 2027 AFCON Group E campaign, with the match forming the second assignment for new coach Ramon Catalá after the team’s September 24 encounter against Sierra Leone.
Motorists have therefore been urged to plan their journeys ahead of the match and consider alternative routes to avoid being caught in the expected football-induced traffic build-up.
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