In a legislature seating held in Mmabatho, EFF MPL Matshidiso Botswe raised concerns over the inability of Orbit College FC to access football facilities that meet the standards required by the Premier Soccer League.

The province possesses stadiums with significant potential, including Olympia Park, Mmabatho and James Motlatsi, but years of neglect have left the facilities unusable for top-tier football, he said.

Lack of maintenance

“However, these facilities have been left to deteriorate due to a lack of maintenance, poor infrastructure investment and the absence of a serious sports development programme by the government. 

“Some of these stadiums once hosted major national matches and brought economic activity to our communities, but today they stand as symbols of government failure.”

The situation has become more embarrassing following Orbit College FC’s historic promotion to the PSL, as there is currently no stadium in the province capable of hosting matches at that level.

“The painful reality is that despite the historic promotion of Orbit College FC to the top flight of South African football, there is not a single properly maintained stadium in North West that can adequately host PSL matches. This is a direct consequence of years of neglect, poor planning and failed governance by the ANC-led provincial government.”

Orbit College FC

Promises made by the provincial government after the club’s promotion have not materialised, he said.

“When Orbit College FC gained promotion to the PSL, the provincial government rushed to make promises to the people of North West and to the club itself. They promised stadiums would be upgraded and that the team would be able to play its home matches within the province.” 

Botswe said the failure to maintain sporting infrastructure is having severe economic consequences for local communities, as major football matches are now being hosted outside the province.

“Failure has had devastating economic and social consequences for the people of North West, with major matches that should have benefited local businesses, street vendors, transport operators, accommodation establishments, and township economies are now being taken to other provinces.”

Orbit College FC’s crucial fixture against Orlando Pirates, as the club battles to retain its top-flight status, will now be played at Mbombela Stadium instead of in North West.

Economic activity

Botswe also pointed to a recent match involving Kaizer Chiefs hosted at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium rather than in the province.

“That match alone could have generated massive economic activity for our people while also allowing local supporters to experience top-flight football in their own province. At a time when the team needs the full support of its home supporters, the failing ANC government has denied the people of North West the opportunity to rally behind their club.’

Concerns over the poor condition of stadium infrastructure in the province are not new. In 2022, Winston Rabotapi alleged one of the stadiums lacked functional ablution facilities, had dilapidated seating areas and non-functional pitch spotlights. He also claimed the venue had previously been closed over safety concerns.

The VIP area had no chairs, the roof was leaking, while the presidential suite was in a state of disrepair with falling ceilings and a dysfunctional air-conditioning system, said Rabotapi.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.