The Lentelus Sports Ground, dubbed the new home of Maties Football, is set to have a major impact on the community of Stellenbosch. The multimillion-rand project is part of a mandate set out by Maties Sport to invigorate Stellenbosch University’s (SU) soccer programme and community enrichment.
Director of Support Services at Maties Sport, Matsobane Jerry Laka says, “the renovation is part of a spatial development plan of the university’s master plan. It is important that we keep our portfolio of sports facilities up to date to ensure that students and local residents can benefit from the environment.”
Strength and Conditioning coach Zukhanye Magwa (centre) conducting an induction session with the student players in the new Lentelus clubhouse. PHOTO: Courtney Williams.
Located on the outskirts of the university campus, the revamping of the old Lentelus Sports Ground impacts more than just the student constituency but the greater Idas Valley, Cloetesville and Kayamandi residents at large.
Maties FC, who currently sit one place behind log leaders Malaga FC in the SAB Castle League, consists of predominantly community players who reap the benefits of the upgraded sports ground.
Maties FC captain and Idas Valley community member, Gilroy Olivier says, “I think the upgrade is great for our club, it means we can attract top athletes from all over. I would like to see the venue being used for fundraising events but we’re still awaiting approval. I envision great things like hosting ABC Motsepe and Varsity Cup games live from Lentelus.”
Maties Football Administrator, Elroy Smith. PHOTO: Courtney Williams.
A continuous effort to improve soccer at SU was a mandate set out by Maties Sport in 2016, with several upgrades in coaching, equipment and facilities – a reflection of their goals, which are to win promotion into the ABC Motsepe League and qualify for Varsity Football.
SU is synonymous with rugby, undoubtedly due to its rich history and major success in the Varsity Cup. Head coach of Maties Football, Desmond Crowie says, “I think it’s long overdue (the renovation). We always strive to be like the rugby, they have all the facilities and they’re doing very well. So for us to start somewhere we need a structure and if we want to achieve more we need a foundation. The structure itself is giving us a sense of belonging, so from there we can build to go further.”
The new facility has sparked interest from National First Division (NFD) club, Stellenbosch FC who seems set to be promoted to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season. With the NFD log leader’s junior Bayhill team already using the facilities, a partnership between the university and the NFD outfit is likely to be on the cards in the near future.
“We are currently in discussion with First Division club, Stellenbosch FC for a strategic partnership of which an announcement will be made soon,” says Laka.
Maties FC players in training, with the backdrop of the new Lentelus venue. PHOTO: Courtney Williams.