Businessman revives Klipspruit West soccer field

A local businessman, Jakie Hilton, has taken it upon himself to restore a neglected soccer ground in Klipspruit West, a field where he once played as a young footballer.

Hilton said the idea to revive the space came to him about three to four months ago while visiting his mother’s home nearby.

“I was standing there looking at the ground, and my heart just went out to it. I thought if I could make a difference by starting something, even just cutting the grass, we could create a facility for the boys,” he said.

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The field, which has become overgrown and turned into a dumping site, is now being cleared with the aim of providing a safe training space for local youth who currently lack proper facilities.

Hilton explained that many young players are forced to share limited space at nearby fields.

“There are about 80 boys training at another ground because they don’t have facilities. This space can give them an opportunity to train and showcase their talent,” he said.

Using his own funds, Hilton began cutting the grass last week, marking the first step towards restoring the field.

“This is coming out of my own pocket because of my love for the game and this ground,” he said.

He added that football remains a powerful tool for youth development.

“Our boys should not be idle. After school and homework, they must have a place to train and focus. We have a lot of talent in our community,” he said.

Hilton has already secured support from local coaches, including experienced mentors with professional backgrounds who are willing to assist with training and development programmes.

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“We have coaches who are ready to come and help. This can become something big, but we need the community and businesses to come on board,” he said.

However, the condition of the field remains a challenge. Parts of the ground are uneven and filled with rubble, making maintenance difficult.

“There are areas where the machine gets stuck because of rubble and overgrowth. We need proper clearing and landscaping to restore it fully,” he explained.

Hilton also raised concerns about illegal dumping, urging residents to take responsibility for the space.

“This is not a dumping site. It is a football ground. People must use designated areas to dump waste so that our children can benefit from this facility,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Hilton remains committed to the project and continues to work in the field whenever he has time.

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“This is about giving back. I come from humble beginnings, and what I have, I am willing to share. Our children’s future depends on us,” he said.

He hopes the initiative will not only restore the ground but also bring the community together and create a safe, positive environment for young people.