Residents of Mabopane have been concerned about the stadium’s poor condition for many years, the Odi Stadium is deteriorating. The iconic Stadium has been a neglected case for years, and it is now rumored to be demolished. Because of its decaying infrastructure, the stadium has been deemed dangerous to host any type of sporting event.
In an exclusive interview about the community’s stadium, many members expressed frustration over the lack of communication with the municipality. The majority of community members brought up the problem of zero consultation between them and the municipality on the stadium regarding the demolition.
Odi Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Mabopane, South Africa. It was used mostly for football matches. Odi is a 60,000-seater stadium. Apart from being home to Sundowns, the Odi used to hold music festivals but was closed after falling into disrepair. The facility was closed in 2005 due to non-compliance with safety and construction rules.
Mid-last year, it was rumored that the stadium would be dismantled and renovated as a result of a deal between the Tshwane Municipality and current CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, but no changes have occurred thus far. The stadium is in severe ruin and has also transformed into a nyaope gang hotspot.
Despite the odds, community members remain optimistic that change will come and that their iconic stadium will be restored to its former glory. Despite the speculations, the Mabopane community stays hopeful and holds onto some fond memories of the stadium.
The City of Tshwane Community and Social Development Services Department stated that it looked at three funding strategies for the redevelopment of the Odi Stadium.
One attempt was to set aside 15% of the USDG for sporting facilities, but this was not successful. The second alternative was to use private-public partnership finance, which was still being evaluated for viability.
The final alternative had been to use Tshwane’s own money, and the stadium project was on the City of Tshwane’s ten-year wish list, which was still awaiting permission. The City’s main problem was obtaining funds for the removal of the current structure and the redevelopment of a multi-purpose sports and recreation facility.
