HM Pitje Stadium has not been used for almost two decades now
Residents are disappointed that the stadium that used to be the pride of Mamelodi and home ground for the Sundowns football club, seems to be turning into a dumping site.
It is almost two decades that Mamelodi residents have been waiting for the new HM Pitje stadium.
The iconic stadium was demolished by the Department of Infrastructure Development last year, giving locals hope that a new state-of-the-art sports facility was on its way.
Today the stadium, which used to the home for Mamelodi Sundowns, has become a dumpsite.
Jack Lebese from Mamelodi said the stadium was set to be upgraded as a 2010 FIFA World Cup SA legacy project for the city, but that never happened.
He said it is heartbreaking to walk past an empty stadium and see nearby residents slowly turning it into a dumpsite.
The stadium has not been used since 2005, and it would cost millions to make it operative again, despite the national sports department pouring millions into the upgrade in preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
He said the stadium was the pride of Mamelodi and home ground for the Mamelodi Sundowns.
“The project to rebuild the stadium needs to be handed to Mamelodi residents, because outsiders are delaying the project,” said Lebese.
It is about time Mamelodi residents fight for what belongs to them.
There is a lot of local talent in the area.
Lebese added that HM Pitje Stadium has a rich history and heritage, not only for the community of Mamelodi but for the whole country.
“Some of the best players of yesteryear used to showcase their dazzling soccer skills here.”
Tshwane mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, while addressing the community of Nellmapius and Mamelodi during an imbizo at the Nellmapius community hall on Saturday, said a process is underway to rebuild the stadium.
She said this follows the public participation session to determine residents’ expectations for the future of the stadium.
“We have heard your calls for the rebuilding of the stadium and declared it as the home ground for Mamelodi ‘Masandawana’ Sundowns,” said Moya.
However, she did not go into detail.
Danny Ngobeni said he is disappointed about the project, which is adversely affecting the development of soccer players in Mamelodi.
He said the stadium used to host school athletics and social events.
“The stadium used to be a home ground for Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, but we could no longer see those players, because the stadium is empty,” said Ngobeni.
He said everyone was excited to see the stadium being demolished and flattened to the ground, thinking the new project would soon start.
Ngobeni said that never happened, and today the stadium is slowly turning into a dumpsite.
“We are kept in the dark as residents of Mamelodi,” he said.
A resident near the stadium, Frank Skhosana, said: “In the past, the stadium was used to host lots of activities.
“For instance, the Mamelodi school athletics were held at the stadium, as well as the big soccer matches, and we no longer see them.
“We were told that once completed, the stadium will be used for multi-purpose sports, eg soccer, athletics, rugby, hockey, as well as for social events and functions.”
He said the new stadium will benefit everyone and create opportunities, especially for the hawkers who used to sell food there in the past.
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