Polokwane Municipality Executive Mayor John Mpe has lauded the “world-class” drainage system at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium after it successfully withstood a torrential downpour ahead of a midweek Betway Premiership clash.
Heavy rain in Polokwane before the league match between Kaizer Chiefs and Magesi FC on Wednesday night cast doubts on whether the match would carry on.
This came after the rain left the pitch waterlogged. However, to the surprise of many football followers across the country, the pitch was quickly cleared for play, thanks to the efficient drainage system at the 2010 FIFA World Cup facility.
The stadium has since received praise from different stakeholders across the country, including the Premier of Limpopo, Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
NEW PETER MOKABA STADIUM RECEIVES PRAISE FOR EFFECTIVE DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Mpe has boldly claimed that the New Peter Mokaba Stadium boasts the best drainage system in South Africa and the third-best on the African continent.
“We are number one in South Africa and number three in Africa,” Mpe told FARPost. “All of us had those fears when it started raining heavily before the game between Magesi and Kaizer Chiefs. Our stadium has proven to be the best in terms of the drainage system. At no time have you ever felt that it had rained [on Wednesday]
“That should be attributed to the work in terms of the engineering work for those who were part of building the stadium during the time of Mayor [Thabo] Makunyane, as we prepared towards 2010.
PETER MOKABA STADIUM IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE BEST IN THE CONTINENT
“But also the maintenance that goes to the stadium. Our team is working very hard to maintain the stadium as the best on the continent and among the best in the world. So we are very happy with that. But also just the cleanliness in the stadium. Our workers are working very hard to keep the stadium to a high standard, whether outside or inside.”
After this publication probed further with municipal officials, it emerged that the New Peter Mokaba Stadium is ranked third, behind only the Ibn Batouta Stadium and Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, both in Morocco.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo Premier also applauded the work done by the Municipality at the facility.
“The New Peter Mokaba Stadium is maintained in-house by our own employees. The best drainage system. Pockets of public service excellence. Thank you, team Polokwane Municipality, stadium staff. We want all our public servants to be inspired by you and emulate your work.”
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