Mulalo brings the FNB stadium to life with replica made of recyclable materials
After falling in love with the FNB Stadium design prior to the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Mulalo Nego Negondeni's dream was to attend a game at the calabash, but his financial background was a stumbling block for the Vhembe TVET College civil engineering student.
POLOKWANE – The 24-year-old decided to bring his favourite stadium closer to home, even better.
He decided to build a scale model of the stadium in his backyard. “I saw an architectural model of the stadium on television and I loved the design, shape and look of the stadium inside and outside.
“I decided to try to build my own FNB Stadium, because my mind was attracted to the colours and the shape, as it represents us as South African people and I am that person who really love South African things,” said Negondeni.
He said during the Fifa World Cup in South Africa he really wanted to go to FNB stadium, but he realised that his family won’t have enough money to buy him a ticket to Johannesburg.
“So, I came up with a plan to feel like I am in Johannesburg, and the only way to get to FNB Stadium was to design my own at home, to make myself happy,” he said.
Not only has Negondeni caught the attention of social media, but he has now been offered an opportunity to finally realise his dream by the FNB Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA).
SMSA invited Negondeni and three family members to attend the Absa Premiership match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on Saturday, 9 February.
“I will be taking both my parents and my younger sister, I feel very grateful and honoured. I am so happy because there are a lot of things that my parents do and are still going to do for me, I am happy that I am able to treat them to this experience. I can’t wait to meet the CEO and the whole SMSA Management,” he explains.
Born in Mukula village, 25kms east of Thohoyandou, he adds that he would change a few things if he were afforded the opportunity to redecorate the stadium.
“If I were given a chance to be part of design team, I would like to add a few things, especially outside and on the roof.
“Outside I will add more decorations on the pavement more African things like using African colours on the pavement and also add a park for fans outside, as well as more trees. I will adjust the roof a bit forward because when it rains people get wet.”
Negondeni built the FNB Stadium replica out of recyclable waste materials, cement, sand, cardboard and soil.
SMSA also indicated that they will assist Negondeni in furthering his studies.
