The North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Stadium has been approved to host matches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, underlining the university’s ability to provide facilities that comply with the requirements for professional football in South Africa.
Motsepe Foundation Championship side Lerumo Lions FC have been using the 3 000 capacity NWU Mahikeng Stadium for some of their home fixtures after the venue met the accreditation standards required for the league. The Championship is the second tier of professional football in South Africa, previously known as the National First Division, and sits directly below the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
NWU Soccer Institute manager Dr Vuyolwethu Sambo said the use of the Mahikeng Stadium by a professional team reflects the standard of the university’s sports infrastructure.
“For a facility to host Motsepe Foundation Championship matches, it must go through an accreditation process and meet the requirements set by the league and the South African Football Association. These include the condition of the playing surface, compliant changing rooms for teams and match officials, proper security arrangements, medical support, and suitable spectator management,” said Dr Sambo.
He said the university has ensured that its facilities are maintained at a level that allows them to be used for professional competition.
“At the NWU Mahikeng Stadium we maintain the pitch according to match standards, provide technical areas that comply with regulations and ensure that there are proper facilities for referees, players, media and emergency services. These are essential requirements before a venue can be approved to host professional league matches,” he said.
Dr Sambo added that having a facility that meets professional league requirements is important for the development of football as it allows teams to compete in the correct environment.
The continued use of the NWU Mahikeng Stadium for Motsepe Foundation Championship matches highlights the role of the university in providing quality, compliant sports facilities capable of hosting professional football and its support for the development of the beautiful game.
NWU Mahikeng Football Stadium
