The Scottsdene sports ground in Kraaifontein has become a symbol of neglect, as hundreds of young soccer and rugby players in the area are left without a proper place to practise or play. The situation has grown dire, with matches of a Sevens rugby tournament having to be moved, and some 300 junior soccer players unable to train for the upcoming season due to poor field conditions.
The R5,5 million soccer Astroturf, built by the City of Cape Town in 2013, has fallen into a state of disrepair, with numerous holes and weeds rendering it nearly unusable. The main rugby field is similarly affected, filled with moll holes that make it unsafe for play.
Wilfred Nolan, chair of the facility’s management committee, expressed his frustration last week with the City’s lack of maintenance. “The Scottsdene rugby team had been practicing for a Sevens tournament that was supposed to take place here, but due to the condition of the fields, we had to move the matches. We informed the City of the tournament in September last year, requesting assistance to get the fields ready,” Nolan said.
Nolan emphasised the risks posed by the neglected fields, describing the situation as not only unfit for play but also dangerous. “It’s not conducive for players and could lead to injuries. This facility is meant to serve the community and youth, yet we have been struggling since 2018 to get the City to properly maintain it,” he added.
Appeals unanswered
Despite multiple requests for assistance, Nolan claims their appeals have largely gone unanswered by the City of Cape Town, including the Mayor and the Mayco member for sport. He also pointed out the recurring issues with the water pump, which has been breaking down every year since 2018, leaving the grass on the fields unwatered and the Astroturf in worsening condition.
“The water pump breaks every year, gets fixed, and then breaks again the following year. The fault is never found and properly addressed.
The grass can’t be watered, and the Astroturf is deteriorating. One would think the City would have provided water tanks by now to help restore the fields,” Nolan said.
When TygerBurger approached the City of Cape Town for answers a spokesperson said: the City’s recreation and parks department is aware of the issue and acknowledged that there are maintenance challenges at this specific facility.
According to the City these challenges are mainly related to water and available tenders. “The current challenges relate to the water supply from the pump which has been terminated on a few occasions due to mechanical issues, providing intermittent water supply and disrupting water flow into the facility. The department is in regular contact with the users of the facility and will keep on engaging role players. The way forward will be communicated and made available once determined,” the spokesperson said.
However, Nolan dismissed this response as insufficient. “It’s not acceptable. The City has known about these problems for years. They’ve been in contact with us but haven’t provided any lasting solutions. Water tanks could have been installed by now. And why continue to waste ratepayers’ money cutting dying grass on a field that’s never watered? Where’s the logic in that? They can keep talking, but urgent intervention is needed,” he said.
The ongoing neglect of the Scottsdene sports ground highlights a growing frustration among the local community, as young athletes are left without the facilities they need to develop their skills and stay active.
