Despite improvements made to the conditions of the pitch at the Dr RP Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, the sports facility remains flagged for use by professional teams. The unsatisfactory conditions have even delayed the potential relocation of Marumo Gallants FC, which was announced in August.
Following the club’s announcement of this being the intention, an inspection was conducted on 3 August to determine whether the stadium meets the general safety standards of the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The inspection by Prof. Ronnie Schloss, chief operating officer (COO), revealed adverse findings.
In the report sent to the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM), various aspects needing attention were highlighted. Concerted effort needs to be taken in fixing sprinklers, completing major rehabilitation of the pitch, and attending to some broken doors to service rooms.
Schloss highlighted action was required to attend to exit gates, metal cladding at either ends of the gates, the fixing of the fence, testing of floodlights, repair of public toilets and the repair of roof sheeting to concession. In addition, they pointed that attention was required to damp-proof the wall of the stadium.
However, a reliable source said the MMM was unable to provide a budget for repairs highlighted by the PSL inspection team, and thus Gallants’ move remains in doubt.
Rufus Matsena, media officer of the Gallants, said the club was yet to receive a response from the powers that be in the municipality, while the club continues using facilities in Gauteng for all its league competitions.
The stadium was rebuilt to the tune of R340 million and later renamed in recognition of the late Molemela who bankrolled the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic for over 23 years.
