Update on Orlando Stadium

Added:Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:33

Swallows' management, led by Sipho Xulu and Siya Sangweni, attended the press briefing by the City of Johannesburg's Executive Mayor Amos Masondo on the progress of Orlando Stadium.

The event, which was held on Wednesday, started with Nandi Mayathula-Khoza welcoming all and introducing the attendees to the dignitaries.

Mayor Masondo then gave a warm speech on the update of the stadium construction and costs involved in the project.

These are some of the key issues the mayor touched on:
- The development and joint involvement of the community in this project.
- Cost of R280-million that has not gone over the set budget. Even with the price increases that have occurred.
- The stadium will have 129 suites.
- Stadium capacity is 40,000 seated.
- A new train station will be developed at the stadium.

"The stadium is restoring dignity to the people around Orlando and Soweto," said Masondo.

He added: "At this stage two Premier Soccer League clubs, Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates, have shown interest to use the stadium.

"The city has already started to nominate the club will play at Orlando Stadium. I must emphasise that this will be a fair and transparent process."

Masondo also said that there could be a situation where both clubs - and even more clubs - could be granted permission to utilise the stadium.

Meanwhile, Masondo revealed that a gala event/stadium opening ceremony would be held on 23 September, 2008. 

The majority of the dignitaries were players invited by the Executive Committee to involve them in the sustainability of the stadium in the future years to come.

Amongst those who attended are soccer legends like: Alfred 'KK' Lentsoane, Mthunzi 'Shadow' Kota, Brian 'Stopper' Tlale, Finky 'Mathousand Sekete, Philly 'Umidoda' Venter, Irvin 'Pepe' Dire, Colbert Sobopa.