Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Mafikeng is gradually becoming the home of soccer.

After successfully hosting the Telkom Charity Cup on August 4, the North West province will once more welcome the semifinalists of the Telkom Knockout at Mmabatho Stadium on November 10.

Premier Edna Molewa said: "The choice of Mafikeng to host the Telkom Knockout, especially by hosting Kaizer Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic could not have come at a better time. Both teams have a strong following in the province.

"The flocking of supporters to the city will not only bring much needed relief for small businesses in the area, but will enhance the stature of the town as a sporting mecca."

Molewa added that the success of the tournament had proven wrong the critics who had written off Mafikeng as a host venue for football.

She said facilities in the province are of a high standard, and hoped that the next Telkom Charity Cup finals would be staged in the city.

"The semifinals are coming to Mafikeng not by default, but because this province has proven beyond reasonable doubt that it has the capacity and capability to host spectacular events in the sporting calendar."

She urged football lovers who will be flocking to Mmabatho Stadium to exercise caution and patience on the roads to avoid road carnage.

Molewa added that the improvement of the road infrastructure that leads into the capital continues.

Currently under improvement is the Mafikeng - Stella route, while work on the N4 Zeerust road has been completed and would offer driving pleasure for soccer lovers.

During the tournament in August, the provincial government donated an amount of R1 million towards the Telkom Charity Cup.

At the time Molewa pledged continued support by the provincial government to encourage the development of sport among the youth.