Imizamo Yethu sports complex unveiled to develop talent
YOUNG footballers from Imizamo Yethu received a huge boost yesterday after the city unveiled an upgraded R2.6 million sports complex in the informal settlement yesterday.
“The upgrades include the construction of a new clubhouse, changing rooms, showers and ablution facilities, a first-aid room, kitchen and communal space,” said mayor Patricia de Lille at the complesx’s opening.
“We believe that sport has a unique ability to unite people, as well as providing them with an opportunity to develop new skills.
“Sports facilities such as this are therefore vital to encourage development and training in sport.”
Since the complex originally opened in 2012 three South African Football Association tournaments have been held there, and the mayor hopes it will now host more events.
“In a city such as ours, grappling with the devastating effects of substance abuse, the football field is often also the safest place for many young people to avoid the lure of drugs.
“We are therefore pleased to provide facilities that enable emerging young footballers to develop their skills and make healthy lifestyle choices.”
The improvements to the pitch will not only be to the benefit of footballers, pupils from local schools have also been using the field over the past three years.
This upgrade brings to 26 the number of synthetic football pitches opened across the city, in areas such as Mitchells Plain, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Grassy Park and Gugulethu.
De Lille added that the pitches rep- resented an investment of R40m and the city wanted to increase that number especially in areas heavily affected by socio-economic issues.
“In 2012, we opened the first of our synthetic pitches in Imizamo Yethu, along with one in Hangberg. A total of R10m was spent on the construction of these two facilities, which are compliant with Fifa regulations. It is my hope that these world-class grounds will breed a new generation of sports stars, allowing them to hone their skills, and perhaps one day represent their coun-
CAPE TOWN try on the playing field.”
Football is not the only sport that has been identified by the city as deserving of extra resources.
“As the City of Cape Town, we will continue to do all we can to bring about progress and development to the communities we serve. I hope the residents of Imizamo Yethu enjoy this sports complex and take pride in it. I would like to ask that they share with us the responsibility of caring for it so that it can be used and enjoyed by generations still to come,” said De Lille.