SEDIBENG.- It’s official: a Sports Indaba is finally coming to the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Desmond Tutu Hall.

If you’ve been a regular reader of Zakes’ Sports Corner, you’ll know this is something I’ve been shouting from the rooftops for a long time.

It seems someone was finally listening!

The Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM) and the Department of Sports and Recreation are the ones behind this gathering. While I’m thrilled it’s happening, let’s be clear, as the self-proclaimed Minister of Sports, I believe we at Sedibeng Ster have a vital seat at this table.

This newspaper has been the loudest voice for sports development in Sedibeng because we see the frustration of administrators and the struggle of athletes firsthand. We can talk about strategy and talent all day, but we also need to address the shocking state of our sports facilities.

For our athletes to perform to their ability and compete against the best in the world, we must have proper sporting facilities in our communities. This is our biggest challenge as a region. Right now, our local stars only get to play on decent grass when they travel to the suburbs or private venues.

Consider these facts: there is a field shortage with organisations like the Emfuleni Local Football Association often having to book VUT or NWU to find a venue with two working pitches. There is also a stadium crisis.

Take the George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville. It’s a crying shame that it isn’t on the same level as a venue like Orlando Stadium. Yes, Zakes’ Sports Corner just said it.

We need to aim higher!

Zakes’ Sports Corner, together with Sedibeng Ster, already started helping by providing contact details for various sporting codes, from football and netball to boxing and karate.

To the organisers of the Sports Indaba, don’t overlook Sedibeng Ster because we aren’t just reporting, we are part of the heartbeat of this community’s sporting life.

Dear Sir/Madam, I’m waiting for my formal invitation, but my message is already clear: facilities must be the top priority on the agenda. Without them, the Indaba is just talk.

Let’s build something our children can actually play on.