The community of Fisantekraal is ecstatic after a new R13,7m full-size synthetic soccer pitch was unveiled at the Fisantekraal sports grounds last week after a long 25 years wait.
“Today we celebrate not just the completion of a sports facility, but the fulfilment of a long-term vision to bring lasting investment, opportunity and hope to this community,” Francois Berry, councillor for Ward 105 of the City of Cape Town, said at the unveiling ceremony. The pitch was recently used for the first time for the successful Ruan Beneke Tournament, which started on 6 September.
This project forms part of the City’s synthetic pitches programme, developed under the Community Services and Health Infrastructure Plan of 2019.
Completed over 18 months, the project includes a full-size synthetic soccer pitch (in accordance with the PSL National Soccer League Handbook, 2023), player and spectator seating, fixed goal boxes with netting and a spectator wall and railing.
Water resilience programme
“The aim of this plan is to build sustainable facilities that meet the needs of our communities well into the future. What makes this pitch even more meaningful, is its link to our water resilience programme.
“By providing a high-quality playing surface that requires minimal potable water, it shows how innovation and sustainability can work together to deliver excellence,” Berry said.
“The journey began under the leadership of former Ward councillor Ruan Beneke, and I want to acknowledge his role in initiating this project. Councillor Chumani Kobeni and I then had the privilege of carrying it forward, ensuring that this vision became a reality. It is a shining example of how continuity, teamwork, and long-term planning deliver results,” he says.
The project was delayed with 12 months due to the relocation of a stay, securing an Eskom electrical pole.
Challenges
“Like many good projects, it was not without its challenges. Thanks to the relentless commitment of officials of the community services and health directorate, as well as the unwavering support of our energy directorate, we were able to overcome the obstacles and the site was officially handed back to the City on 14 August.
“Today we open this facility to the people who matter most – the community of Fisantekraal. To our local football clubs, this is your field. May it be a place where talent is developed, where discipline and teamwork grow and where our young people can dream and achieve more than ever before.
“To the broader community – this pitch belongs to you. Let us care for it, use it wisely, and make it a source of pride for Fisantekraal,” Berry concluded.
Positive energy
Kobeni said to TygerBurger the Fisantekraal soccer fraternity has awaited a proper soccer pitch for over 25 years.
“The community is extremely pleased to have this state-of-the-art football pitch. The presence of this field has already fostered positive energy in the community, promoting a sense of social cohesion.
“Every weekend since its opening, a significant number of people have attended the soccer games. As a PR councillor for the area and a sports enthusiast, I sincerely hope that the current 40 teams utilising this field will maintain it for generations to come,” he said.
Beneke said the project is the result of the hard work of the coachers of all the teams to coach the children without any remuneration.
“They have started this in their community. Without them, the City would not have bean able to do this,” he told TygerBurger.
Promotes active lifestyles
This milestone project aims at promoting active lifestyles, sporting opportunities and community engagement, according to a media release by the City.
The pitch forms part of the broader Fisantekraal recreation hub, which also includes the library, recreation centre and social development Hub – creating a central space for learning, recreation, social support and healthy living, says Francine Higham, Mayco member for community services and health.
The Fisantekraal recreation bub offers a range of programmes for the community, including after-school activities, girls’ futsal, netball, rugby, fitness, as well as seniors’ activities.
“The hub supports seven netball clubs, with junior tournaments planned during school holidays. These programmes demonstrate the positive impact of accessible, high-quality facilities on fostering active, engaged and healthy communities,” Higham says.
“This new pitch is an investment in our youth, our community and our future. I’m calling on every resident to work with us to care for this facility by using the booking system so we can prevent overuse, by picking up litter, by reporting vandalism, and keeping it safe for future generations.
“We encourage the community to make the most of and protect this wonderful resource for all,” she said.
. Bookings can be submitted to area1.2.bookings@capetown.gov.za
