MATATIELE— The Matatiele Local Municipality has come under renewed criticism after quietly handing over a R42 million sports facility to the community, amid mounting complaints about its poor quality, incorrect field markings and failure to meet official sporting standards.
The long-awaited sportsfield was officially handed over on 24 October 2025, in what residents have described as a ‘silent ceremony,’ with little public notice or fanfare.
While municipal officials insist the facility meets all technical requirements, both soccer players and athletes say the field is too small and non-compliant with regulations set by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Athletics South Africa (ASA).
“The field is too small we cannot play official games on it, only practice,” said one local player. Then further added, “The track has six lanes instead of eight, which makes it unsuitable for competitions,” added a local runner.
The stadium, situated next to the old rugby field on the road to Maluti has been surrounded by controversy since construction began in 2021. Initially budgeted at R29 million, the project’s cost later ballooned to R42 million after additional funds were allocated for a ‘second phase.’
Municipal Manager Lizo Matiwane denied that the handover ceremony was held in secret, saying members of the community and the local ward councillor had attended.
“The municipality officially handed over the stadium to the community in the presence of local residents and the ward councillor,” Matiwane said.
Despite these assurances, frustration is growing among residents who feel the facility has fallen far short of expectations. Municipal officials have defended the project, maintaining that it was completed according to its approved design.
One official commented that, “perfection isn’t the same as effort,” suggesting the project still holds value despite its flaws.However, with a field too small for official matches and a track that fails to meet national standards, questions remain about whether Matatiele’s R42 million stadium is a meaningful community asset or another costly, half-finished promise.
Photographs: supplied
