The construction of the mega 33,000-seater Mandjafa stadium in Chad is taking shape as construction progresses. The project is still shrouded in mystery as much is unknown, but it is a gift from the Chinese government. Social media fanatics have hailed the project as a commendable approach, thanking China for its endeavors. With the agreement signed between China and Chad on its construction in 2016, the project has steadily progressed. The former economic counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Chad and the former director of Chad’s National Sports Office, Youssouf Djibrine, signed the agreement.
“This stadium will respond to the sporting needs of Chadians. It will fill an existing vacuum in the area of sports infrastructure in Chad,” Djibrine said. He also thanked China for the tireless efforts made until the signing of the agreement for the stadium construction, which he noted “was eagerly awaited by Chadian youth.” Though the project’s main contractors are still unknown to the public, Chad has issued accolades for their endeavors in its delivery.
The Significance of the Mandjafa Stadium Upon Completion
Once completed, the Mandjafa stadium is expected to improve significantly Chad’s football, one of its major sports. The implementation of the project has come to the public’s attention as it gradually nears completion. The images shared from the project show the stadium will be Chad’s proudest achievement yet. Moreover, the stadium is expected to facilitate football development as a career for most Chadian youths. It will also likely raise the bar in the sport as it will be a stadium compliant with FIFA standards. The government has shown interest in ensuring that the stadium is top tier as it implored FIFA to facilitate achieving this endeavor.
One of these is using synthetic grass in the Mandjafa stadium to prevent challenges caused by climate conditions. “We asked [FIFA] President Blatter to do everything he can to assist with developing synthetic pitches in Africa,” the former Chadian president noted. Due to the arid African climate, there are significant benefits of using synthetic grass for football pitches. Chadians are greatly anticipating the stadium’s unveiling.
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The Relevance of China in Delivering Stadiums in Africa
As a developed nation, China has proven fundamental in delivering African stadiums. Apart from the Mandjafa stadium, China has helped construct numerous multi-million stadiums. One of the significant ones is Zimbabwe’s largest stadium, the National Sports Stadium. Furthermore, state-owned Chinese companies have been at the forefront of preparing East African nations to host the Africa Cup of Nations. Expected to be hosted in 2027, contracts to build two new significant stadiums in Tanzania and Kenya have been awarded to China. Observers note the move is part of Beijing’s long-standing tradition of “stadium diplomacy.” The grants offered by China in some of its infrastructure projects across Africa make it a viable partner in implementing multi-billion-dollar projects. Furthermore, the nation has also proven elemental in effectively implementing projects such as railways like the Standard Gauge Railway. 
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