30 July 08

By Makoena Pabale

MOHLAKENG STADIUM on the West Rand will be more than a fan park during the Telkom Charity Cup on Saturday, 2 August; it will also be a multi-activity station.

A big screen will be set up at the stadium to broadcast the matches, and there will also be a five-aside football tournament, open to anyone who wants to participate, between games. Government units will also have a presence, offering services such as applications for identity documents and health checks, like blood pressure.

The South African Sociological Association will be on hand to help people register for grants. And for entertainment, DJ Ganyani and Mgedeza will spin the discs. The gates open at 8am, and entrance is free.

The fan park, which will allow the general public to watch all the soccer action taking place in Mmabatho in North West province, has been organised by the West Rand District Municipality and the Gauteng department of sports, arts, culture and recreation.

According to Barbara Creecy, the MEC, the province will use the tournament to help grow football and build a love of the game.

“We are working with municipalities and businesses to develop public viewing sites where members of the public will be able to view matches across the province,” Creecy said.

“The concept will also allow us to plan for cup final matches featuring Gauteng teams that are played outside the province.”

Lucky Mojaki, Mogale City’s sports officer, said the Mohlakeng Stadium would be used as a fan park in preparation for the Confederations Cup in 2009 and the World Cup in 2010.

West Rand municipalities were working with the provincial government to identify places that could be used as fan parks during the two international FIFA events.

“In Mogale City we have identified Coronation Park as an ideal location for setting up a fan park. When it comes to townships, we could convert sports complexes into fan parks, but they’ll need some upgrading,” Mojaki said.

Coronation Park had an advantage in that it was centrally located.

The Telkom Charity Cup football tournament is taking place in Klerksdorp in North West province on Saturday, 2 August. Kaizer Chiefs takes on Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates plays Platinum Stars.