Back then all the facilities was kept in mint condition.
Just a few years down the line and it looks like the movie ‘George in the Jungle’ can easily be shot there.
One of the popular sport clubs, Kriel Rugby Club has also been going through a very rough patch lately with numerous break-ins and vandalism.
The rugby field is adjacent to the soccer and athletic fields.
There are no fences securing either of the fields, and long overgrown grass and neglected facilities are becoming an eyesore in the community and also the perfect hideout for criminals.
“We have, out of our own pockets, cut the grass and cleaned up around the rugby field on numerous occasions. Up to today there has been no help from our local municipality,” said a member of the public who is also a rugby player but who wishes to stay anonymous.
The man said the rugby club has suffered huge losses after break-ins.
“We are hoping that the municipality and businesses around the small town will assist us in keeping our sport facilities going,” the man said.
On the social media platform Facebook former residents had the following to say about the sport fields:
“Sad to see this, I have such fond memories of the place,” said Brenda Binneman.
“I know that sounds awful, but I am really glad I don’t live there now, what on earth happened to the place?” asked Sue Cuthbertson.
“The rugby field is used as a soccer pitch due to the soccer pitch not looked after and the club house burnt down, the rugby committee and players try and maintain in their own time as best as they can. I played many a match on home turf fro Kriel,” said Michael Watters.
*There has been no feedback from the municipality about its involvement in sport and recreation.
