Stadium rebuild end in sight
THE uMhlathuze city soccer stadium rebuild is near completion; but whether it hosts first or second division football next season remains to be seen.
Since the ZO’s last visit to the central sport complex in February, significant progress is evident, and with about 80 per cent of the rebuild accomplished, the final phases will be concluded in the next three months.
The additional new 4 500-seater grandstand opposite the main stand, including ablution blocks, has been finished, with just the vendor stalls to be erected.
Most notable progress is with the VIP and media suites along the entire upper length of the main grandstand, where the final touches are being done, while the new, brilliant LED floodlighting has been installed and is being used during night work to speed up construction progress.
Also nearly done are the offices, change rooms, referee rooms, media centre and conference hall.
Final pouring of concrete is taking place for the support pillars that will hold the canvas roof which will cover the main grandstand – the last major construction task still to be performed.
Ready for testing is the elevator that will assist disabled fans from ground level to the second floor.
Of note is that there has not been an injury on site since the work began, while another positive is that despite recent heavy rains, there are no signs of the leaks that previously plagued the stadium, nor of the standing water that flooded the parking area and playing field.
All problems relating to the high water table appear to have been resolved.
Re-grassing of the stadium pitch has already been planned and the turf supplier is lined up.
The PSL, which banned games at the stadium in September 2021, will give the final ok once all the work is completed.