Kwatsaduza – Local clubs have expressed their frustrations to the metro regarding access to local sporting facilities, the Kwa-Thema and Tsakani stadiums.
They also raised their concerns over the deteriorating state of the Kwa-Thema Stadium.
Various sporting clubs have informed the African Reporter that they have experienced difficulties with booking these venues for games.
The technical director of the Springs Home Sweepers, Mkhonza Mkhonzana, said they have made attempts to book the stadium without any success since June.
Also read: Athletes need access to Kwa-Thema Stadium
He said the metro had promised that by July their grievances would have been attended to.
He added that this has greatly disadvantaged the club as they have divisions playing in the Sasol Women’s League and the Gauteng Development League.
“We were told the budget would be approved in July to address the maintenance issues. To date, we haven’t heard anything from them.
“This is frustrating because we have to book a stadium in Nigel to host games though we have our own. It is costly and unfair to us, the players, parents and our supporters,” added Mkhonzana.
According to the metro, Tsakani Stadium is a category A facility, reserved for use by semi-professional and professional clubs in the PSL league.
“Three clubs are sharing the stadium for their PSL games: Africa All Stars, TS Galaxy, and Sekhukhune FC. All other clubs not in the PSL league are allowed to utilise all other stadia under categories B and C, for example, Kwa-Thema Stadium and Kwa-Thema Sports Complex.
“These facilities are managed by the local football federations in conjunction with the Local Sports Confederation,” said metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Also read: PAM Brink Stadium continues to stand derelict
Ace Auto Ayoba Academy said that they have not been able to book the stadiums for their regional matches.
“We have had to postpone several matches because apparently, the metro doesn’t have paint for the field lines. Each time we postpone a match we get fined at a regional level.
“Our cries are falling on deaf ears and this is affecting players,” explained Innocent Mayoyo, the manager of the club.
Meanwhile, Dlamini said at the beginning of Covid-19, the city directed most of its budget to deal with the devastating effects of the pandemic.
“The Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture as a non-essential service department were severely affected by this.
“Subsequently this resulted in further budget cuts for repairs and maintenance by as much as 50% due to other competing public needs.
“This led to an exponential increase in backlogs on planned and reactive maintenance of the sports and recreation facilities in general throughout the city,” he said.
The metro also advised clubs to visit its customer relations manager’s offices for bookings.
This must be done seven days before the date of the event.
“The city is following the supply chain management processes in dealing with the maintenance of the sports facilities through current and available repair and maintenance contracts.
“There are various service request orders to address the maintenance backlog at sports and recreation facilities.
“Upon recommendations and approval of the orders and appointment of contractors, maintenance will resume in phases as planned. Timelines cannot be specified yet as it is dependent on completion of internal controls to ensure prudent expenditure and assurance of the correct use of budget,” said Dlamini.
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