SEBOKENG.- The issue of local sports facilities took centre stage during a farewell dinner hosted by Emfuleni Local Municipality Executive Mayor Hassan Mako at the Mayor’s Parlour on Thursday.

The function aimed to celebrate and bid farewell to three local soccer stars who were part of the Bafana Bafana team that represented the country at the Fifa World Cup 2026.

During the event, Mako issued a strong warning regarding allegations that the municipality plans to sell the historical Zone 11 Stadium to certain individuals for business purposes unrelated to sports.

Known for hosting high-profile soccer matches and local school derbies, the venue has produced great soccer players, with former top-flight footballers Peter ‘Fire’ Khoabane and Patric Chacho being the most notable names.

The controversy sparked after Sedibeng Ster ran an article headlined “SHOCKING! Emfuleni plans to sell Zone 11 Stadium.”

In the article, Khoabane claimed his application to lease the venue was turned down by the municipality and that he was told the facility was being sold to individuals.

This prompted the Zone 11 community to demand answers as to how the municipality could sell a venue that forms part of their heritage.

Khoabane pleaded with the municipality to consider the lack of community facilities and challenged them to build more sports infrastructure so children do not have to travel long distances into town to play sports.

Mako acknowledged the plea and took the opportunity to set the record straight, promising to probe the allegations surrounding the stadium.

He said that, as far as he knows, no such plans exist, adding that if he discovers any truth to the allegations, heads will roll.