June 30, 2006

By Clifford Mogotsi

IN what has been described as the largest investment in the history of Mogale City, footballing giants Kaizer Chiefs are to set up their home base in the municipality.

The Amakhosi Stadium is to be built in the heart of Mogale City, on the current site of the Bob van Reenen Stadium. This was announced at a glitzy function for high-profile dignitaries held at the stadium recently.

Addressing a packed tent, Mogale City's executive mayor Koketso Calvin Seerane said although the City has in the past lost a number of investments for various reasons, this launch was a life-changing development for Mogale City, Gauteng and South Africa.

"We know that Mogale City and its people have been yearning for a massive opportunity of this kind and so our approach to this was characterised by what we know the people of this city need," said Seerane.

The Amakhosi Stadium will be built at a cost of around R695-million, and Mogale City has leased the land to the shareholders for a period of 90 years.

The Gauteng Economic Development Agency has undertaken to upgrade the city's roads and other infrastructure to accommodate the estimated one million extra visitors expected each year to attend the club's home matches.

According to Lefika's chief executive, Chris Gribb, the stadium will be equipped with facilities such as athletics tracks, cricket fields, tennis courts, a rugby ground, a gymnasium, cycling track, netball sport retail shops, swimming pools, equestrian facilities and hotel facilities. "It is a plan to create a vibrant city where people will visit seven days a week," said Gribb.

The stadium, to be complete in 2008, will seat 55 000: 38 200 seats allocated on the lower and upper tiers for general spectators; 10 000 seats on the west lower and upper tier for season ticket holders; and 100 seats for the media.

In addition, it will also house a 200-person president's suit (club tier-west), a 3 000-person club area and private suites that will host a total of 3 500 people. Safe and secure access and viewing areas for soccer fans with disabilities have also been planned.

The largest investment in the history of Mogale City, the building of the stadium has been planned to tie in with a new facelift for the city and is aimed to enhance the identity of Mogale City.

During the construction period, most of the 1 000 jobs will be given to the local community. It is expected that an additional 10 000 indirect jobs and sustainable entrepreneurial opportunities will also be created.

The development will serve as a pathway for the advance of sporting excellence, other life skills and community development programmes.

Chiefs' chairperson, Kaizer Motaung, added that the establishment of the stadium will create more jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The venue will also contribute towards the development and growth of Kaizer Chiefs Supporters Trust and present numerous business opportunities for the residents of Mogale City and interested stakeholders, he added.

Gauteng MEC for finance and economic affairs, Paul Mashatile, sees the stadium as another tool to position Gauteng as a home of champions.

"This event is particularly relevant as we going to host the World Cup in 2010, what will happen here is the legacy that will live with us forever," Mashatile said.