Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace

Description

The Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace is a multipurpose stadium in Phokeng, near Rustenburg, in the North West province. The 29 villages that make up the Bafokeng nation are the proud owners of this state-of-the-art sporting complex, where local children are trained in athletics, martial arts, netball, rugby, and soccer.

More than ten years ago Kgosi Mollwane Molotlegi of the Bafokeng in North West told his people that they would witness football’s biggest extravaganza, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, in their backyard. The story goes that none of those present could quite imagine the king’s vision – but out of deference, no one disagreed. The stadium had to be renovated for the tournament. This included an upgrade to the main west stand, which was enlarged and given a new cantilever roof. Other improvements include the installation of new electronic scoreboards, new seats, and the upgrading of the floodlights and public address system. Its capacity was increased from 38,000 to 42,000 and it was the proud host of five first round matches and one second round match at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Today it is the home stadium of the Platinum Stars, a Premier Soccer League club. The Leopards rugby team also use the stadium to host large attendance matches during the Currie Cup competition instead of their usual home ground at Olën Park.