19 October, 2005

By Lucky Sindane

KAIZER Chiefs may be moving: the Soweto soccer giants have set aside an estimated R600-million earmarked for the upgrading of the Bob van Reenen Stadium precinct in Krugersdorp.

Chiefs are in talks with the Mogale City municipality in a bid to secure the stadium as their new home ground. At present they use Soccer City in Johannesburg and Olimpia Park Stadium in Rustenburg to play their home games.

"Nothing has been signed yet but the discussions are at an advanced stage," said Mogale City mayoral spokesperson Bongani Gaeje. "The move will make Mogale City a [more] desirable place to live, invest in and visit.

"Should the deal go through, the R600-million injection would see the stadium's seating capacity increased to 65 000."

Improvements would include building two five-star hotels, a high performance centre, indoor sports facilities, infrastructure for street traders, parking facilities and low-cost accommodation around the stadium.

"The taxi rank will also get a major facelift. Plans are in place; we are just waiting for the deal to be clinched," Gaeje said.

"We will stand a good chance of hosting events like the Vodacom Challenge in future, which has major spin offs, such as job opportunities."

The matter will be subjected to a public participation process over the next two weeks.

"We would like to encourage all the residents of Mogale City to come out and voice their views about this matter. Ads will be placed in local newspapers in the next few weeks," Gaeje added.

The Bob van Reenen Stadium is currently used by the Harlequins Rugby Club and schools for athletics meetings and cycling.

"The municipality has set aside an estimated R5,3-million for the upgrading of Johanna Botha Park, which will accommodate these sporting codes," Gaeje concluded.

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