28-04-2025
Masters dig deep in their own pockets to revive Rethabile sports ground
Masters dig deep in their own pockets to revive Rethabile sports ground
The Mamelodi Masters League with the help of Athletics Development has taken it upon itself to revive Rethabile sports ground in Mamelodi East.
The 20 teams participating in the Mamelodi Masters League, including one from Cullinan, donated money from their own pockets to revive the facility because they host weekly soccer league games at the facility every Sunday.
However, about R150 000 is needed to return the facility to its good old days.
The facility has been neglected and abandoned by Tshwane Metro since 2016, which saw criminals taking advantage of the situation and starting to vandalise the facility.
Vusi Chabangu from the Master League said the Sunday Master league games are attended by everyone, including women and children.
Chabangu said the Sunday games actually create an environment that is child- and family-friendly.
'The challenge is the facility has no toilet, no water, electricity, the pitch is not in good condition and goal posts were also stolen,' said Chabangu.
He said the facility played an important role when it came to the youth in the area, which used to keep Mamelodi children busy after school and on weekends.
The teams participating in the Masters league each donated money to help revive the facility by hiring Athletic Development organisation.
William Thusago from Athletics Development said there is a lot that needs to be done at the facility.
Thusago said they have approached Tshwane about reviving the facility and 'they gave us the go-ahead'.
'The project of reviving Rethabile sports ground started in April, with patching the pitch, because the grass was stolen,' said Thusago.
A lot needs to be done, from fixing the toilets to the guard room, and the electricity cables were also stolen.
'In the past, the facility was fully functional with almost everything, which once featured four tennis courts, two basketball courts, and three soccer fields.'
The local teams and community members complained that the facility had been destroyed by criminals who turned it into their hideout, but no one wanted to hear their cries.
Thusago pleaded with local businessmen to come on board and help with donations of building materials.
He called on all Mamelodi residents to participate in a 5km fun run/walk fund raising event set to take place in June.
The money raised will be used to revive the facility.
Greg Mashilo of Tshwane Sport Council Region 6 said it was so sad to see the Rethabile Sports Ground abandoned, apparently for no reason.
He said a lot of people have applied to lease the facilities, but nobody knows what happened to those applications.
'We started complaining to the Tshwane metro about security at the sports field in 2016,' said Mashilo.
'The sports field was in a dire condition and urgently needed repairs. Criminals have already started removing the roof off the toilets and showers.'
He said Tshwane should lease the facility to the people who have applied for the lease and they will look for sponsors to maintain these facilities.
'We complained about the security… that it needed to be taken care of as soon as possible, but the Tshwane metro ignored the situation.
'Imagine abandoning a facility that was fully functioning for no apparent reason,' said Mashilo.
'Tshwane must lease the property to Mamelodi residents or someone who is willing to look after the facility and also bring back the security guards to all Tshwane metro facilities,' said Mashilo.
Anyone who wishes to help with donations to revive Rethabile sports ground can contact William Thusago on 081 562 0536 or Mamelodi Masters League on 064 968 0718.
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