13 October 2020 – The North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro, has reiterated the clarion call for the return of professional football in the province.
The platinum province has been without representation in the higher National First Division and the Premier Soccer League since Platinum Stars was sold two years ago.
But Mokgoro will like to see the province host professional matches, also as part of a drive to boost the tourism industry.
The province’s first citizen attended Bafana Bafana’s international friendly match against Zambia at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday and made it clear he would like to be back to see more games. The senior national team also played a friendly match against Namibia at the same venue on Thursday.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for us to have hosted these friendly matches and we will continue to work harder to make sure we have a team and more matches in the province,” said Mokgoro.
Mokgoro was accompanied by SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan and North West Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Galebekwe Tlhapi.
“We appreciate the stadium that we have, but regret the fact that we are not putting it to use,” Mokgoro continued.
“So there is a lot of work that lies ahead for us to be more visible, in soccer in particular. But other than that we grateful for the opportunity to host the matches.”
Mokgoro also emphasised the need to improve sporting facilities in the province which is rich in talent.
He added: “We have to accelerate our efforts at refurbishing Mahikeng Stadium for instance. Developments in that regard are on the cards.”
He also appreciates the efforts of local clubs in their endeavour to make it to the National First Division through the playoffs in the third tier Safa ABC Motsepe League.
SAFA North West chairman David Moloantoa said the province would like to host more Bafana Bafana matches.
“We feel that we have achieved our objective of showing the people that the SAFA North West leadership is capable of organising events of such magnitude,” Moloantoa.
“It is our wish to host other Bafana Bafana matches in the province. The North West Premier, Prof Job Mokgoro, has expressed the same.
“After discussions with him and SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, there is a possibility of the North West province hosting Bafana Bafana vs Ghana in March 2021.”