Mangosuthu University of Technology newly built multi-purpose sport facility
Image: Supplied
Mangosuthu University of Technology has unveiled a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sport facility at its Umlazi campus.
The new facility will allow athletes from nine different sporting codes, including soccer, rugby, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, hammer throw, athletics (track events), and steeplechase with water jump, to showcase their skills.
Lubabalo Ngcaweni, director of infrastructure, said it was a dream that has been realised.
“It was just a mere soccer field. Now we have upgraded that soccer field and added nine new sporting codes. This wide range of codes ensures we serve various student athletes and sports programmes.
"The facility meets national standards and is only a few steps away from being classified as an international standard facility,” said Ngcaweni.
He added that they were constrained by space and could only provide six lanes, instead of eight lanes as per international standards.
"Still, this remains one of the most advanced university sports facilities nationally, and we should be proud of that," said Ngcaweni.
Siyabulela Mkwalo, deputy director: Sport and Recreation, said they had developed a sport facility hire framework that will be presented to the Executive Management Committee for approval before its implementation.
“The framework provides detailed guidelines about the classified events that will be permitted to happen at the field, as well as related tariffs for external users.”
Mkwalo added that tight security measures that protect the modern infrastructure would be applied.