SEBOKENG.- Plans are apparently in place by the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) to sell the historical Zone 11 Stadium.

The Zone 11 Stadium is where former professional soccer players Patrick ‘Mentor’ Chacho and Peter ‘Fire’ Khoabane, amongst others, honed their skills.

The revelation about the stadium being sold was made after the Peter Khoabane Foundation sent a proposal to the municipality to lease the stadium, which is now a shadow of its former self, having been turned into a dumping site.

The application was made on June 6, 2023.

The stadium is a potential gold mine.

In the proposal letter, the foundation said that the stadium is a potential gold mine of social, economic, and environmental benefits if properly managed. The foundation aimed to turn the stadium into a thriving community hub, geared towards addressing social challenges.

“We believe that providing an engaging and positive environment will redirect their energy towards more constructive pursuits, such as participating in or watching sports, and therefore curb this epidemic. This project has substantial potential to invigorate the local economy. The influx of visitors to games and events would create significant business opportunities for local enterprises. From food vendors to sports equipment retailers, local businesses stand to benefit tremendously, thereby stimulating employment and economic growth in the area,” Khoabane had said in the proposal.

The foundation intended to revive the stadium to its former glory.

The first phase of the project would involve a comprehensive clean-up of the property and essential restoration work to make the field playable again.

Following the clean-up, the foundation intended to revive the stadium to its former glory, making it suitable to host ABC Motsepe League games, attracting greater footfall and interest to Zone 11.

“The transformation of the stadium would be a beacon of change, showing that progress and revival are possible even in the most neglected areas.”

Additionally, Khoabane said the project could include sports development programmes for the youth, promoting not just physical health but mental well-being, discipline, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

The clean-up and maintenance of the area would have a substantial environmental benefit, turning a former dumping zone into a green, inviting space.

Motsamai Mofokeng, a long-time resident of Zone 11, had this to say to Sedibeng Ster about the sale of the stadium: “We are not going to allow that to happen. Where are our children going to play? This is an iconic stadium. It is part of us, part of our history, no such thing will happen here, not while the community still resides here. They must fix the stadium and allow it to serve its purpose, which is what it was meant to do all along.”

ELM rejected the proposal.

In a response letter, seen by Sedibeng Ster and dated June 9, 2026, the ELM’s Economic Development Planning & Human Settlement (EDP&HS) Property Development said the erven (stand/land) are not available for leasing.

“Please be advised that the erven that you applied for leasing are not available for leasing as they have been identified for disposal through a public sale process,” said Mphezdiseni Netshikweta, assistant manager of the EDP&HS.

Khoabane, a former Bafana-Bafana, Vaal Professionals, and SuperSport United player, was encouraged to participate in the public sale process once it is advertised.

Emfuleni Local Municipality spokesperson Makhosoke Sangweni said, “We are still verifying that.”