Massive Makeover Planned for Saldanha Bay Sport Complex | Western Cape Government

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Massive Makeover Planned for Saldanha Bay Sport Complex

21 February 2013

The desire to participate in sporting activities in a quality complex with upgraded facilities will soon become a reality for enthusiastic athletes on the West Coast.


Following the launch of the West Coast Sport Academy System on Saturday (16 February 2013), it was announced that the Saldanha Bay Sport Complex will be upgraded starting from this year. The facility will serve as the central place for the academy system.


An amount of R1 million has been invested in the upgrade of the facility by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport. The same amount has also been invested in the upgrade of the South Western District (SWD) Sport Academy System’s headquarters at the De Jager Sport Complex in Oudtshoorn.


The West Coast facility will primarily be used as a competition and training venue for rugby, football, cricket and netball – some of the sport codes identified for growth in the academy system. The other codes include athletics, kickboxing, water sports and gymnastics - these will use facilities at other venues in the area.

The stakeholders in this initiative include the Department, West Coast Sport Council, South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Saldanha Bay Municipality and the various West Coast Federations.

The beneficiaries welcomed the idea of a cutting-edge facility. Mr Japie du Bruyn, a soccer coach, said the community will be proud to boast with a facility they all can be proud of. “Everyone will definitely benefit from this,” he added.


The netball team are confident the upgraded facility will enable them to perform better. Shande Ndabambi of Diazville in Saldanha Bay says certain lines on the current netball track aren’t visible. We want to be proud of our facilities when playing against opposition. This is great news,” she said.


Mr Jeroam Arendse, of the West Coast Sport Council, said the upgrade of the facility will play a positive role in the development of athletes, which will definitely create a “better together” sporting future for all.

Media Enquiries: 

Bennett Bailey
Directorate: Sport Promotion
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9631
E-mail: Bennett.Bailey@westerncape.gov.za