South African Football Association (SAFA) president, Danny Jordaan, is urging municipalities to play a proactive role in developing sports facilities in townships. He was a guest at the annual New Year’s Cup amateur soccer tournament in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape.
His remarks were prompted by the state of the JD Dlepu stadium in Joza township.
The New Year’s Cup has become an annual highlight in the Eastern Cape. It is also a great platform where local amateur talent is showcased. Players put in 110%, but the playing field makes life difficult. The bumpy surface is not conducive to good football.
“One thing that I am going to raise with the mayor is the deterioration of the JD Dlepu stadium. This stadium has history; over the years, it used to host interprovincial matches. It has a long and rich history,” says Jordaan.
Tournament organiser Luyanda Papu says they always ask stakeholders to look after the facilities.
“We always ask the stakeholders to look after the facilties because our players and community needs to utilize them.”
Makana Football Association president, Siya Dumiso, hopes one of the teams will represent the region in the national competitions in future.
“That dream is not far; currently we have three teams in the SAB league. If they keep the same momentum, we will have a team in the Motsepe league next season.”
Former Chippa United coach Tebogo Moloi commended the initiative.
“It’s a good initiative by Luyanda to have people like me here to come and watch rough diamonds being unearthed here.”
New Brighton Academy from Port Elizabeth was victorious in 2020, beating Peddie Legends in the final.
