Football association concerned by churches using Alex Stadium
ALEXANDRA -The Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association has expressed unhappiness sharing the Alex Stadium pitch with churches and other social events.
The Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association is not happy about churches and other social events using the Alex Stadium pitch.
The association chairperson Maisha Molepo said this in anticipation of the commencement of second phase of the stadium upgrade. The first phase which was completed months ago, included painting the dressing rooms, re-electrification, plumbing, repair of gates, and construction of the association offices.
Molepo said they were told that phase two would include laying a new pitch and replacing the seats in the stands at a total cost of R4.5 million for both phases.
Molepo said that after the completion of phase one, they were handed only the offices and not the authority to manage the facility.
“This is causing disruption of soccer fixtures, with teams being forced to share the pitch with churches – despite authorities’ knowledge of match fixture dates,” he lamented.
“The churches in question are not local, which leaves us baffled because the established ones understand the stadium is sorely needed for football matches and sports development of their children.”
He added that the disruption of the fixtures resulted in some matches being cancelled, teams forfeiting points and risking fines and relegation.
He also alleged the churches erected tents which damaged the pitch, making it difficult to maintain it in accordance with Fifa and PSL standards which would enable them to host PSL matches which would attract the soccer-loving public. Moleposaid he wondered what the churches would do if the association scheduled matches in their premises.
These concerns were apparently raised several times with Region E’s Sports and Recreation Department.
The department’s operations manager, Lulamile Bikitsha said they were drafting a memorandum of understanding on the use of the stadium, the management of which is the prerogative of council.
“The memo will clarify terms of engagement, clarify terms for harmonious relationships and alternative arrangements when changes are made in the use of the facilities,” he said.
Bikitsha added that they would investigate the alleged preferential use of the facility by churches, and said he would like to discourage the perception that the stadium would not be available for other important community events such as funerals.
Details: Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association 082 972 0235.
