Department Signs Ten Year Lease Agreement with New Operator for Phillipi Stadium | Western Cape Government

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Department Signs Ten Year Lease Agreement with New Operator for Phillipi Stadium

19 August 2010

Ensuring that the legacy of the FIFA 2010 World Cup benefits the people of the Western Cape, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Robin Carlisle, today signed a ten year lease contract for the management of Philippi Stadium with Mr. Siviwe Mpengesi, the CEO of Chipcor Construction (Pty) Ltd.

This follows the company's successful bid to manage the stadium. Under the lease agreement Chipcor will be responsible for the implementation of community football development initiatives, as well as maintaining the pitch and the physical infrastructure in and around the stadium.

Minister Carlisle is very excited about the contribution to the development of football on the Cape Flats that the lease will have. "Chipcor offered the best model for the sustainable use of Philippi Stadium. The company will, through its football academy and team participating in the Vodacom League, create plenty of opportunities for local youngsters to realise their dreams of playing football professionally. My department will ensure that Chipcor meets its contractual obligations towards football development in the local community" said Minister Carlisle.

Chipcor will soon launch a football academy that will be based around the stadium. The company recently bought Hanover Park Football Club as part of its strategy to make optimal use of the stadium. The team, which has now been renamed Chippa United, will participate in the Vodacom League.

The rental for the stadium will be R20 000 per month. It will increase by ten percent (10%) on the annual anniversary of the lease. The naming rights of the stadium will be sold as part of the marketing and branding strategy. The revenue will be allocated to community projects. Furthermore, two Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams in the province have shown a keen interest to play some of their games at this stadium.

Mr. Mpengesi is very grateful to the provincial government for giving Chipcor the opportunity to contribute towards football development in the Western Cape. "We want to thank the Province for enabling us to turn this first-class football facility into a local and national football hub. It is the first time we have such an amazing stadium in our township. We are very determined to make it a success. "

2010 FIFA World Cup Coordinator of the Western Cape, Dr Laurine Platzky, is delighted about the contract. "We are extremely happy that we can keep the World Cup vibe in Philippi alive! This is a real contribution to the legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Philippi is one of our most disadvantaged communities in the province and has the highest number of registered amateur players in the country. This is exactly where we should be providing world class sports facilities to give the most disadvantaged young people the opportunity to thrive in sports."

The stadium is well-located near the Philippi Railway Station and long distance bus terminus. It is easily accessible by public transport and geographically central in Cape Town. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup the venue served as an official Venue Specific Training Site. The Uruguay national team held their practice sessions at the stadium twice during the World Cup.

Philippi Stadium accommodates three thousand (3000) spectators. The site has been upgraded at a cost of R 54 million as part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup legacy by the Provincial Government of the Western Cape. A media facility, operational area for security services and changing rooms with ablution facilities were built. These were necessary upgrades for the FIFA tournament, as well as useful legacy for post-World Cup use.

Media Enquiries: 

Solly Malatsi
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 8954
Cell: 083 641 9691
Email: smalatsi@pgwc.gov.za