The community of Malelane in Mpumalanga is celebrating the opening of the Malelane SUPERSPAR multi-purpose sports facility.
The facility, which has four courts, is suitable for netball, soccer, and cricket. It will be used by local schools, clubs and provincial outfits like the Mpumalanga Sunbirds netball team.
“SPAR has long been associated with assisting women in sport,” said SPAR Sponsorships and Events Controller Bella Mogane. “But we have always been ready to lend a helping hand to other sporting codes that need assistance in developing young talent at a grassroots level. This multi-sports facility will inspire and drive a passion for netball, soccer, and cricket. It will have a positive impact on the community of Malelane.”
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Lex Hollman, owner of the Malelane SUPERSPAR, said the decision to build the facility was inspired by SPAR’s support for netball over many years.
“Financial constraints in the community make it difficult for children to travel to areas that have sports facilities,” said Hollman. “We can also incorporate other campaigns like the anti-GBV campaign and the sanitary pad drive to keep girls in school. We are providing a safe space for children to play the sport they love.”
“To have a facility we can call home is a dream come true,” said Bongi Maseko, President of the Ehlanzeni Netball Association. “It will help us prepare for games, scout for talent, and develop skills through the sport we are passionate about. We are humbled by the gift SPAR has offered to our community.”
The President of Netball South Africa, Cecilia Molokwane, also attended the opening and was delighted with the investment SUPERSPAR Malelane has made in the community.
“SPAR have been the longest sponsors of netball in South Africa and are committed to the promotion and development of the game through their sponsorship investment. There is a SPAR wherever you go all over South Africa and netball is played throughout South Africa, is the biggest women’s sport, second biggest sporting code behind football in the country and the fastest growing sport. So, it made perfect sense for Netball South Africa to partner with SPAR. SPAR is good for netball,” she said.