Klarinet Sports Centre gates are officially open

After long hours of hard work and sweat, the gates of Klarinet Sports Centre are officially opened.

Exxaro Resources hosted this event on Friday, May 12 to handover the beautiful facility to Emalahleni’s residents and the municipality. This took place at Klarinet, Extension 3. The stadium features a dual soccer and rugby field with two courts capable of accommodating basketball, volleyball, tennis and netball. It can seat approximately 300 spectators. The importance of having a sports field is that it improves one’s health and mental development.

Children dancing prior to the Sports Centre opening held at Klarinet Extension 3 on Friday, May 12.

Programme Director of the ceremony was a member of the mayoral committee (MMC) of Community Services, Cllr Derick Skhosana. She spoke of the purpose of the day. He said the handover of the stadium is done so children can be able to participate in different sporting codes.

“A big thank you to Exxaro for such a good gesture,” said Cllr Skhosana.

Klarinet Sports Centre is officially opened. In the picture is: Lazarus Ramashilabele (Mine Manager of Exxaro’s North Block Complex), Cecilia Maraba (Acting Emalahleni Executive Mayor), Mzila Mthenjane (Exxaro Executive Head) and Xolile Mankayi (Department of Mineral Resources). This took place on Friday, May 12.

Acting Executive Mayor of Emalahleni, MMC of Development planning Cllr Cecilia Maraba did the welcoming, she too alluded to what Cllr Skhosana said, stating that the facility is one of a kind and she hopes the community will put it to good use.

Exxaro’s R12,3 million project became a success with the assistance of the municipality, major businesses that got the tender and a few other sub-contractors.

What the change rooms look like.

Exxaro Executive Head of Stakeholder Affairs, Mr Mzila Mthenjane mentioned that this initiative is part of the social and labour plan of the company. He made a firm statement saying as a company they see themselves as part of the community, hence it was easy to be part of such a project. “I am very proud of this contribution,” smiled Mthenjane.

He explained that this sports centre is not just a facility; it is there to improve the community. When Mthenjane said this he spoke briefly about his athletics, rugby and soccer days which had a positive impact on his life.
After all, the stadium represents the young boys and girls who have a dream, a dream that can start in Klarinet.

“We want to produce people that will participate in the Olympics,” said Mthenjane.

Klarinet Sports Centre.

He believes that in the next decade or so the facility would have grown to the extent of creating opportunities for community members. Therefore it is everyone’s job in the community to look after it.

A total number of 65 people comprising of both genders worked hard in building the stadium.

“Thank you for the effort. Although it was temporary employment, you do have the necessary skills and you will go far,” said Mthenjane.

Mr Xolile Mankayi from the Department of Mineral Resources hoped social ills such as the smoking of drugs will be replaced by young ones coming to the stadium to play any sport. He made an example of Percy Tau, Emalahleni born mid-fielder who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.

“You can also be like him if you become dedicated to what you are doing,” said Mankayi.

After the speeches, the unveiling of the wall plaque written “Klarinet Sports Centre officially opened by the Executive Mayor, Councillor L.L Ntshalintshali on 12 May 2017” took place. This was followed by a site walk where an in-depth tour of the stadium was given. The stadium boasts change rooms, toilets, storage areas, a caretaker’s office and kiosk.

As the day’s programme was to be completed, opening of the field was done in a form of cutting a ribbon and kids running on the field. Learners from Pine Ridge Combine School and Coronation Secondary School played netball and soccer while Alex Mampane Primary School and Mokgalitwa Primary School learners played rammetjie rugby.