UMGUNGUNDLOVU district municipality is hoping that World Cup teams based in Durban will use the refurbished Harry Gwala Stadium as their training venue.

The stadium has been renovated to the tune of R86million to meet Fifa requirements and was unveiled on Tuesday.

District mayor Yusuf Bhamjee said: "This investment will put us in great stead as we lobby for teams that are based nearby to use it. Negotiations are still under way to attract Paraguay and Cameroon, who are based in uMngeni and eThekwini respectively," he said. He said the PSL also gave the stadium a thumbs-up as it met all requirements and was sure that Bafana would one day use it for their practice matches.

Msunduzi local municipality mayor Zanele Hlatshwayo said that Ghana and Nigeria were impressed by the facility.

Maritzburg United chairperson Farouk Kadodia described the new stadium as a jewel.

"When the players and our technical team walked about, we were extremely happy. The surface is unbelievable and we can't wait for next Saturday to play Lamontville Golden Arrows there," he said.