Ground One revamp finally set to begin

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A year down the line, construction work on the R8.5-million revamp of the iconic No 1 Square Sports Ground in 3rd Avenue, Alexandra has finally started.

Although not much has been done so far, contractors have already begun securing the site by bolting all the gates of the stadium and ensuring no unauthorised people have access to the facility, which had been overrun by vagrants.

“The reason why we have started securing the facility is simply an indication that we’re now ready to commence with the desired work after a few stumbling blocks which prevented the work from starting on the initial date of May last year,” said the deputy chairperson of the Alexandra Northrand Local Football Association, Robert Langa, who is also the community liaison officer for the project.

Langa said with the help of the City of Johannesburg, they had managed to evict some of the vagrants that had taken over the stadium. There were still some people who remained on the property but the City has also promised to come in and evict them, Langa added.

Once all the people have been evicted, he said demolition work would begin to remove the old stands and dilapidated buildings which formed part of the management hub of the ground.

Better known as Ground One, it nurtured many of Alex and national football luminaries, administrators, referees, Premier Soccer League and national players, and also leaders of note including the likes of Dr Irvin Khoza, Sylvester Ndaba, Miamane Phiri, Shakes Kungoane, Brian Baloyi, and Obed Bapela, all of whom honed their football skills at the stadium.

The facility has suffered neglect over many years leading to its abandonment and invasion by vandals, who made it home and dangerous for residents to pass by, especially at night for fear of being mugged.

The R8.5-million financial injection from Totalsports will support the reconstruction of the stadium’s facilities, the installation of artificial turf, and solar-powered floodlights to guarantee pitch usability at any time.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony in April last year, president of the South African Football Association, Dr Danny Jordaan, commended Totalsports for coming to the rescue of Alex football lovers. “The support has created a foundation for Alex to contribute in developing future stars of local football at all levels [for] both males and females and also contribute to the development of administrators of the beautiful game,” he said.

Details: Robert Langa 072 210 5040.