Amanzimtoti Rugby Club is urgently in need of assistance from an electrical or engineering company to repair or replace the field’s floodlights.
“We have come to a crossroads with regards to the floodlights,” said Amanzimtoti Rugby Club chairman, Cliff Uppink.
“The light globes have been replaced and electrics sorted by the previous committee, but minimal attention was given to the rusting pole joints and bolts, obviously for financial reasons. The poles have now deteriorated to such an extent that one of them has broken and others are on the brink of breaking.”
Fortunately no injuries were sustained to members of the public when the pole broke two weeks ago.
The poles seem to still be in good nick. The problem is the huge bolts that hold the structure to the base are badly rusted. Joints up the pole are also rusted and this is the worrying part for Cliff. The pole that came down bent at one of these rusted joints, after the holding bracket rusted off.
“The cost to repair or replace the poles is now an astronomical amount that is beyond the capability of the club,” said Cliff.
“The new committee is currently attempting to lodge a claim with the Lotto, which is a time-consuming exercise without any guarantee of success. Although the light structures have been maintained as our responsibility, council is trying to assist us, as it poses a risk to the public.
Aart Verrips of RBI Tech removed the broken pole and indicated he will repair it. A huge thank you to him for his generosity.
The four floodlights were installed about 25 years ago.
The rugby club is reliant on small sponsorships to balance its books from year to year and does not have the finances to repair the floodlights ahead of the new season.
The target is to win the Premier League next season. “We have, through our coaching staff, attracted some new talent that will be on show in 2016. If we can win the league, it will open doors for us in terms of sponsorship.
We cannot be without lights to honour next season’s league fixtures, junior rugby, junior soccer and O35 soccer, among others.”
We appeal to a locally-based electrical or engineering company that has the expertise and capability to come on board to repair or replace the floodlight structures and if any Lotto grant is successful, the funds would be made available to that company.
Permanent advertising on the repaired poles and bases by a company that assists would be a foregone conclusion,” said Cliff. To contact Cliff, call 083-264-6767.
