HARARE – Motorists travelling from Bulawayo towards Harare city centre will be diverted on Monday, September 28, as police prepare for an expected surge in traffic around the National Sports Stadium when Zimbabwe host the Democratic Republic of Congo in an Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier.

City of Harare Chief Traffic Officer Chief Superintendent Martin Chimombe said police expected congestion after about 30,000 fans purchased advance tickets.

“The National Sport Stadium is being used to host an evening match that requires the closure of Bulawayo road carriageway with motorist plying from Bulawayo into City Centre on September 28, 2026, between 4PM and 9PM,” the notice reads.

Police said motorists travelling from Bulawayo towards Harare city centre should use alternative routes, including Solomon Mujuru Drive, formerly Kirkman Road.

A police checkpoint will be established at the intersection of Bulawayo Road and Harare Drive.

“Only match officials and motorists holding official advance tickets” will be allowed to proceed through the affected section, police said.

“Motorists without official tickets are diverted into Harare Drive and into Solomon Mujuru Drive.”

Traffic travelling out of Harare city centre past the National Sports Stadium will, however, continue using the route as usual.