State still neglects stadium
"Matsulu Stadium is beautiful. The municipality always makes sure the grass is world-class," reads a Facebook post that recently triggered residents' responses.
MATSULU – Mr Josh Mkhabela posted the above last Wednesday, resulting in others slamming the municipality for neglecting the stadium.
Mpumalanga News investigated the matter. Upon arrival, the paper spoke to a security guard who explained that despite a lack of maintenance and involvement from the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, the community still uses the field for training.
Young rugby players were found practising on the rugged pitch with patches of grass here and there, and the far end was overgrown with grass. One remarkable thing is that the pitch neither has rugby or football posts. According to the security guard they were removed by the municipality in an attempt to prevent the usage of the venue because it wasn’t safe for the community.
“The instruction is not to have any games or spectators using the venue because it needs to be fixed. What I know is that the municipality will not be liable for any injuries to people at this venue, they are using it at their own risk. At the far end is that movable container donated by TSB with fitness equipment.
“The community utilises it, but they’re paying R50 a month. As you can see, it is on the side, they are far from endangering themselves. I’m here monitoring the situation as the community comes in and out, but no formal games take place here,” the guard explained.
Some of the rugby youngsters expressed disdain for the circumstances they are met with and the lack of viable sporting facilities in the township. “We are determined to make it in rugby, but we lack a suitable field because as it is, we can no longer invite other teams for games. Some of us grew up playing league games here, but we can no longer afford to.
“As a result of this, many of us have joined teams in Barberton, Malalane and Mbombela where we ply our trade. It’s sad because this pitch has produced credible rugby players who have been lost to neighbouring towns. Something must be done because this is the only recreational facility we have here in Matsulu, but it’s as good as not there anymore,” they said in unison.
Even parents are not pleased with the stadium’s condition. Ms Thembi Skonela and Ms Phumzile Dlamini train at the stadium on weekdays for an hour daily. “This place has been neglected for quite some time and we are not happy because our children have no place to play sports. It is very bad and it is an embarrassment for the community,” said Skonela.
Dlamini revealed there is a rumour that the ward councillor previously promised the community that a tender would be advertised to refurbish the stadium. “I do not understand why there would be security guards when there is nothing to safeguard. We plead with the municipality to intervene,” she said.
According to the City of Mbombela’s spokesperson, Mr Joseph Ngala, the type of soil at the stadium and water scarcity makes it difficult to plant grass on the field.
“Tests were conducted and it was discovered that grass cannot be planted. Honestly, it will be expensive to have an artificial pitch but it will be better to use it as an alternative.
“With the refurbishing of the infrastructure, I will have to check with the integrated development programme if it is included in the budget for the next financial year,” said Ngala.
