Nie Cele
Believe it or not, one of the oldest township in the urban area of Soweto, Orlando East is sporting a newly revamped and overhauled multi-purpose Sports Centre, thanks to Super-Group owned Betway South Africa and City of Johannesburg.
This state of the art facility was recently unveiled and handed over to the community at a momentous occasion that attracted key stakeholders from the City of Johannesburg, Stadium Management SA, Community Leaders, and previous Betway CSR programme (#BetwayCares) beneficiaries who came in numbers to witness and celebrate the milestone.
This newly refurbished facility boast a world-class facilities such as basketball, netball, and tennis courts, and a five-a-side pitch tailor-made to cater for the different sporting needs of the community.
According to the Super Group-owned Betway, this is ongoing efforts of community sport development and part of their CSI programme of uplifting communities.
Sharing his excitement on the milestone achievement by the brand, and how it is set to positively impact the community, Betway SA Marketing Manager, David Rachidi, said that the occasion marked a very important achievement in the brand’s commitment to making a difference.
“Today marks a very special occasion for the Betway brand, along with our partners and the community. Over the last few years, we have consistently given back to our communities through various courses, workshops, sporting equipment donations, and financial support to worthy initiatives,” said Rachidi.
“Through the handing over of this facility that is right on the doorstep of the community, we are proud to be celebrating the highly impactful work that the brand has committed to over the last few years. A significant amount of time and investment has gone into this initiative which we are proud to be handing over for the benefit of the community,” he said.
Amongst the guests present on the day were friends of the brand which included renowned football analyst and coach, Simphiwe Dludlu, Bafana Bafana legend, Lucas Radebe, Simnikiwe Mdaka and the Ward Councilor of the area, to mention a few.
Radebe, who was present at the turning of soil ceremony to mark the start of the refurbishments last year, congratulated Betway for again, leading from the front in making a sustainable impact in the community.
“This is a truly remarkable achievement for the community of Orlando and surrounding areas thanks to Betway, who have once again demonstrated their passion for giving back. Having grown up in similar surroundings, I understand the importance of having access to such facilities and how much of a difference it makes to the community. It therefore, gives me great pleasure to witness such a wonderful gesture from Betway, that I strongly believe will positively impact the community for years to come,” said an elated Radebe.
The City of Johannesburg Community Development department expressed their appreciation to Betway and all the various stakeholders involved in ensuring that the community has access to high-quality facilities.
Stadium Management South Africa (Pty) Ltd, managing various stadia around Johannesburg on behalf of the COJ, will assist in transferring skills in the logistical management of this facility to the community.
“Communities derive immense social benefits from a thriving culture of active sporting activities. Betway must be congratulated on the refurbishment of this Orlando facility which is indeed an investment in the community. It is a privilege to associate with Betway on the impactful project,” said Bertie Grobbelaar CEO of Stadium Management.
