NEW STADIUM CREATES A BUZZ IN MPOPHOMENI
Mpophomeni’s new sports stadium was abuzz at the weekend as young men and women played football, netball and tried out the fitness equipment.
The stadium was formally opened by uMngeni Mayor, Councillor Chris Pappas, after the municipality had to allocate additional money in the 2022/2023 budget to fund its completion.
“We opened the facility for the benefit of the community,” Pappas said. “When we took government this project was short of R3.5 million.
“The construction site had been vandalised and there were serious challenges to get it open.
“The new administration has worked hard to allocate resources and complete the stadium.
“Let us all look after this new community facility.”
His thoughts were echoed by the Umgungundlovu District Sport Confederation, which said in a statement that they hoped the people of Mpophomeni and the wider uMngeni area would protect and guard the new facility.
“We believe sport has numbers to give municipalities a direction and boost the economy in our local [areas],” the organisation added. “We only need to unite as sport people and speak out about all sport budgets that is not doing what it should be doing.”
The official opening included a soccer tournament, sponsored by the municipality, and watched by scores of local residents.
The women's final was contested by Cnysine Ladies FC and African Angeles FC with the men's final a tussle between Napoli FC and Hhaza Heroes FC. The winners - Cnysine Ladies FC and Napoli FC - received a soccer kit, balls and a trophy.
“We hope this is a start of unearthing raw talent of uMngeni,” Pappas said.