By Nangamso Mabindla
18 February 2005

BUSH BUCKS finally has a place to call home after Buffalo City handed over the Amalinda Stadium to the professional Premier Soccer League outfit.

The stadium, which will be used as a training facility, is undergoing upgrading worth R2-million and is expected to be ready in May. The open bush next to the stadium will be removed and the land levelled for two new soccer pitches. Instant lawn will be planted on the new pitches and on the existing field inside the cycle track.

A new irrigation system will be fitted, with palisade fencing around the whole complex. The cycle track and the ring fence around it will also be upgraded.

Speaking at the sod turning, Mayor Sindisile Maclean said he was happy that the partnership between the city and the club was paying off.

"We're also happy that Bush Bucks will be able to call Buffalo City their home. It's really an honour to be associated with a professional team in the area, and this can only bode well for the sport in the region," he said.

Once finished, the sports complex will benefit today's professionals and future generations as well. "I'm excited for the future of soccer in the area; now our youngsters will not have to leave for the big teams in Gauteng to make a name for themselves," said the mayor.

He thanked the club's sponsors, DaimlerChrysler, the carmaker, for the role it plays in realising the club's aspirations.

An emotional Sturu Pasiya, Bush Bucks' director, said the club appreciated the role played by its partners in ensuring the team had a quality sports facility.

"It's really good to know that there are people who share the same vision as our club. We're going to make sure that this stadium becomes a breeding ground for future Bafana Bafana stars from the region," said Pasiya.

He also said that when the facility was completed, the team planned to participate in the 2010 World Cup to be hosted by South Africa. "Because of a strong German influence in the area from Daimler, we'd like the German team to practise at our facilities."

Following the handing over, the mayor, accompanied by Pasiya, performed the sod turning.