By Thembi Siaga and Kaizer Nengovhela
At last, the long-delayed R36.9 million Vhuilafuri Stadium in Madabani, west of Louis Trichardt, has been handed over. However, residents cannot use the soccer pitch yet as the grass has not grown because of a persistent water shortage.
Three boreholes were drilled, but only one produces water — not enough to supply the entire stadium, leaving the pitch unusable. Sportspeople, including youths, cannot train or play matches at the new facility, which serves 17 villages in the Sinthumule and Kutama areas. Many nearby residents also lack access to water and must buy it from neighbours who drilled their own boreholes.
"We would have been happier if the pitch was completed," said Mpho Maraga. "We feel like the boreholes were not drilled deep enough, because some households have their own boreholes and sell water for R2 per container. The community also does not have water."
During the handover, Makhado Mayor Dorcas Mboyi said the stadium was open to the public, except for the pitch. "Residents can use the stadium, but not the pitch, which is not ready because the grass has not grown. We are not certain how long it will take — maybe rain will help. If not, we will rely on one borehole out of the three that were drilled. Our plan is to apply for additional funding for paving and possibly artificial grass. The allocated budget was R36.9 million, and I am satisfied that the scope of work was covered."
George Maphala, treasurer of the Makhado Local Football Association, said the unusable pitch affected local teams. "I am disappointed that 51 teams, including our ladies' team in the Safa Sasol Women's League, cannot use the stadium because of the pitch. Installing artificial turf, which does not need water, would be a game-changer. Rural kids deserve the chance to thrive in sports and play professionally," he said.
The tender to build the Kutama Sinthumule Sports Facility was awarded in 2022 to Muswobi Building Construction and Property Developers. The stadium was originally scheduled for completion within 12 months, by September 2023.
The construction plan includes football and rugby fields, an athletics track, and netball, tennis and volleyball courts, as well as a 600-seat concrete grandstand — all completed. The contractor was also responsible for drilling boreholes, installing an elevated tank, water and stormwater systems, sewerage and electrical infrastructure, fencing, a guardhouse and an ablution block.
Community leaders remain hopeful. "We are happy because we believe this facility can help youth stay away from drugs and promote sports in our community," said Mbulaheni Ramabulana, chief of the Sinthumule Tribal Council. "The municipality has assured us that they will use water tanks, so that the grass can grow and the pitch can be used."