Rob Benadie, CEO of Stellenbosch FC. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky, BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Stellenbosch FC continues to break new ground both on and off the pitch.
With the playing squad currently in Egypt ahead of a historic second-leg CAF Confederation Cup clash against African powerhouse Zamalek on Wednesday, the club have announced plans to develop and operate a new multi-million-rand stadium at the Van der Stel Sports Complex.
Stellenbosch FC have encountered numerous challenges this past season in relation to their home games, particularly in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Stellies have played ‘home’ matches in both Pretoria and Durban due to the Danie Craven Stadium, Athlone Stadium and DHL Stadium not being available for football in the Western Cape at any given time.
While it is unlikely that the Van der Stel Sports Complex will host matches of such magnitude with the football facilities set to include a 5 000-seat stadium - upgradable to 10,000 seats in future phases - it will also consist of four international standard full-size grass football fields, and six multi-purpose small-sided fields/courts.
The landmark collaboration represents a significant milestone in Stellenbosch FC’s commitment to Stellenbosch and the municipality’s commitment to securing the future of the Premiership franchise in the sports-rich town with commitment set to be in the region of a R395 million investment over five years in the facility.
SFC will manage and develop the complex over an initial 30-year term while the Stellenbosch Municipality retains ownership of this valuable public asset.
“We are grateful to the Municipality and the community of Stellenbosch for the opportunity to manage and develop this landmark complex over the next 30 years,” said SFC Chief Executive Rob Benadie.
“Football is the town’s only sport code with a professional club that plays in national leagues with men’s, women’s and youth teams.
“The Van der Stel Complex is the ideal home for the town’s football club, and SFC is privileged to bring the excitement and benefits of professional sport to the facility,” he added.
Stellenbosch FC's fans will have a new home at the Van der Stel Sports complex soon. Picture: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
A sports high school for 200 learners, a 150-bed residence for student-athletes, a 300-meter grass athletics track is also included in the plans.
The school will offer excellent education and the highest quality coaching to learners for a number of sporting codes. The ACE Trust will secure full bursaries for deserving learners, while also being accessible to other talented youth on a commercial basis.
Parking infrastructure with a multi-storey parking facility with 600-800 bays.
“As responsible and trusted citizens, our shareholders, partners and the club are investing in the Van der Stel complex with a long-term vision for a brighter future in Stellenbosch,” said Benadie.
“We believe sport is the empowering catalyst for progress, inclusive economic growth, and opportunity, creating lasting value in a public asset for generations to come.”
Coach Steve Barker and his team have certainly been provided with great motivation ahead of their all-important clash against Zamalek. The tie is currently deadlocked after the two sides played to a goalless draw at DHL Stadium in Cape Town last week.
The quarterfinal is set to kickoff at 6pm (SA time).