Future yields of major sport hub cultivated between two schools

A recent soil-turning event in Kimberley symbolises the development of phase one of a joint venture between the Kimberley Boys’ High School (KHS) and the Diamantveld High School (DHS).

This development, with the construction of a hockey astro-turf as part of the first phase, will lead to the establishment of what is called a “world-class sports facility”.

At the soil-turning event on Friday, 28 February, on the Notcutt Field of the KHS, it was emphasised that this facility will aid the development of sport amongst talented learners in the entire Northern Cape, becoming a major sports hub.

This joint venture by the two schools, through the Kimberley Community Development non-profit company (NPC), aims to develop a variety of sports facilities.

Apart from the hockey astro-turf, it envisages fields for rugby, cricket and soccer, a dugout, changing rooms, parking area, swimming pool, as well as squash and indoor courts.

Oloff Bergh, head of operations and of sport at the DHS, says Diamantveld wanted to build a hockey astro-turf for many years, but could not find the perfect location when investigating options. It was then realised that the neighbouring KHS was the perfect option.

Both schools, with the KHS established in 1887 and the DHS in 1935, have played a huge role in the development of youth in the area and in the province. Together they aim to continue bettering opportunities for youths.

Previously, the two schools have hosted, amongst others, the national Absa Wildeklawer Schools Sport Tournament, the Kovsie Sports Weekend, the Diamantveld Cricket Festival, the annual KHS Founders Marathon, and the Kay Motsepe Soccer Tournament.

Speaking at the soil-turning event, Dianna Martin of the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Nceda) commented that sport tourism was growing, and was officially recognised as such. She said Kimberley and the Northern Cape could aim to host more national sports events, and even attract teams from the African continent, and also internationally.

This alligns with the Kimberley Community Development’s vision that the facility will attract national and international visitors, boosting the city’s economy.

The construction of the hockey astro-turf is done by TurfTech. Its delivery is expected to be in May.