The dilapidated stadium which can seat 59 000 spectators, is amongst many other historical buildings in Mafikeng, including the Mmabana Cultural Centre that were built by the Bophuthatswana government, but have been left run down by the present provincial government. OFM News’ Olebogeng Motse reports Mokgoro’s utterances were made at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg on Sunday, as Bafana Bafana lost their international friendly to Zambia, 2 -1.

Mokgoro, not only lamented the fact that the province has gone unrepresented in the first division and Premier Soccer Leagues in the country for the last two years, but that sports and recreational facilities in the province, especially in the provincial capital, are in a bad shape. Despite this, Mokgoro was unable to reveal any specific details regarding the refurbishment of the stadium, stating vaguely that developments on the matter are still on the cards. This is in stark contrast to July 2019, when the North West Finance Department was forced to refute media reports that plans were underway to have the stadium renovated at R5 billion.

The provincial government explained at the time that they would consider renovating the stadium and the Mmabatho Convention Centre at an estimated cost of R5 billion for both projects. At that stage, they emphasised that no money had been set aside as yet for the project.

OFM News