Cecil Payne Stadium, in years gone by, was a bustling centre for school and club sports that, on nearly any given weekend, was packed to capacity with athletes and spectators.

In recent years, schools have given up on trying to book the largely dilapidated stadium for sporting events, and the few remaining sports clubs that call the stadium home, work their fingers to the bone to keep the grounds in good enough shape for training sessions and game days.

The stadium itself has been declared too dangerous for use, and stands basically abandoned, save for a few homeless souls that risk their lives sleeping in the stands at night and an open area adjacent to the stadium grounds houses a fast-growing illegal settlement, said to be frequented by zama zamas.

That is all about to change.

Legendary soccer coach Cavin Johnson has secured a service level agreement with the City of Johannesburg to take over the stadium and turn it into the top facility it was always meant to be.

Johnson, who has had stints coaching South African teams like Kaizer Chiefs, Platinum Stars, Supersport United, AmaZulu, and Black Leopards, and has played various related at others including Egyptian club club Al Ahly, is determined to turn the tide at Cecil Payne Stadium with his new venture, Florida Sports Club.

“It is a registered NPO,” said Johnson during a recent introductory meeting with community members and stakeholders.

“My dream is to create a place where kids can find the mentorship, training, and exposure they need to progress optimally in both sports and life.”

Florida Sports Club has already started with activities, hosting various weekly soccer training sessions for different age groups.

“The project will advance in stages,” he says. “One of our first priorities will be on securing the facilities and putting proper security in place to ensure that parents can drop their children off here without having to worry about them.

“Thereafter, we will start rolling out projects for the repair and maintenance required on the stadium itself, and much more.”

Johnson is adamant the stadium is large enough to accommodate a host of sporting disciplines.

“I would like to invite sports clubs to get in contact with us and discuss how they can become involved and bring their sports disciplines to Cecil Payne.

“At the same time, I would like to invite the community to support us in bringing this magnificent stadium back to life.”

For more information, or to become involved in the project, send an email to tayla@floridasportsclub.co.za.