‘It was packed to the brim’: Residents mourn the glory days of Bob
Once a buzzing hub of athletics and community pride, Bob van Reenen Stadium holds treasured memories for generations of Krugersdorp locals.
If Bob van Reenen Stadium isn’t being neglected, it’s under constant threat. The recent grass fire at the stadium has once again drawn attention to Krugersdorp’s so-called white elephant, leaving many residents heartbroken.
Hoërskool Monument High teacher and former athlete who competed at many competitions at Bob, Tania Kempenaars Kelfkens, reminisced on the glory days of the stadium and has fond memories, including the inter-high school athletics meets.
“It was always packed to the brim with people. There were vendors and ice cream stalls, and the spirit was amazing. The whole of Krugersdorp was involved. In between items, we walked to the Wimpy that was close by to eat waffles,” she said.
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She added that Hoërskool Monument learners used to jog to the stadium to warm up, train there and jog back to school. In her primary school days, the whole school walked to the stadium for athletics.
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“We all had beautiful memories there. There were so many sporting events held there, and it was a constant flow of money in the stadium, with functioning clubs. The year-end functions held there were incredible. It is very sad to see how all of this went missing.”
Numerous residents also left comments on social media after the fire.
“Sadly, it might look better once the fire has cleared out all the massive overgrowth of weeds, etc. Truly sad, because there were so many incredible memories made there in its good days,” said Lakin Dos Reis-Burrows.
“Flip, this is so, so sad! The best days of school athletics were at Bob! Terrible to see how it is now,” said Najla Swiegers.
