A large number of dignitaries, which included political, sports and businesspeople, attended the official opening of the renovated Rabali Stadium on Saturday.
Among the dignitaries were Mr Kirsten Nematandani, Safa president, Mrs Charlotte Thabang-Mampane, CEO of the Lottery Board Prof Alfred Nevhutanda, Vhembe executive mayor Tshitereke Matibe and the mayor of the Makhado Municipality, Cllr David Mutavhatsindi.
The project started last year after the Lottery Board approved funds to renovate the stadium and fill it with artificial turf.
Prof Nevhutanda said that the Lottery Board was already instrumental in the construction of 27 artificial turf stadia around South Africa. He mentioned that in each of the nine provinces, they had already spent R 21 million on the creation of turf stadia. According to him, the different stadia will create a lasting legacy in the different communities. He also emphasised that the Lottery Board supports sports and community development projects.
Mr Nematandani applauded the Lottery Board for what it had done for the development of sport. "These facilities will help to take the children off the streets and bring them to the sporting fields. This will also help to prevent our children from taking part in substance abuse and criminal activities," he added.
He acknowledged that there were serious challenges in relation to sporting infrastructure in the province. "We do not have enough playing fields and indoor sporting facilities. Despite all this, we are happy that the province continues to produce professional sports personalities who put us on the world map," he said.