LIMPOPO – Once set to be a beacon of sporting excellence in honour of Olympic silver medallist Mbulaheni Mulaudzi who died in a vehicle accident 12 years ago, the multi-million rand stadium in Muduluni now lies abandoned, vandalised and overrun by cattle.

The Mbulaheni Mulaudzi Stadium, intended to host soccer, athletics, and other sport was left unfinished after construction delays by contractor Kone Maweja Project, which abandoned the site in 2022.

A visit by CV on November 10 revealed collapsed goalposts, damaged and stolen fencing, a cut water cable and a stolen borehole pump.

The pitch itself has no grass, and the stands were never built.

The project, managed by non-profit organisation Mavu Sports Development, received over R15m from the National Lotteries Commission.

The stadium was meant to nurture youth talent from Muduluni and neighbouring villages, helping combat crime and substance abuse. Instead, residents say the facility has become a hideout for criminals and grazing land for livestock.

Community members and local sports figures expressed outrage.

“We were expecting a facility that would honour Mulaudzi’s legacy, but all we see is shoddy work and neglect,” said family spokesperson Joseph Maphaha.

“Our son’s name is linked to unfinished, vandalised structures. We are asking for it to be renamed.”

Local sports teams say the lack of facilities hinders professional progress, while residents accuse both Mavu and municipal authorities of failing to ensure accountability.

“The stadium was supposed to be a place for our youth. Instead, it’s falling apart,” said Nelson Maba, a concerned resident.

Mavu Sports Development’s spokesperson, Kistern Nematandani, said the organisation never received full funding to build an IAAF-accredited track and has sought additional support from multiple stakeholders, including the Makhado Municipality and Provincial Government.

He added that municipal responsibility for maintaining and securing the facility has been inconsistent.

Thovhele Vho-Vele Kutama, a traditional leader, said the project’s collapse undermines the hope of reducing crime and boosting local sport.

“The community expected a legacy. Now, they are left questioning whether it will ever be completed.”

Comment could not immediately be sourced from the Makhado Municipality or Provincial Government.