By OBAKENG MAJE
13 August 2025- The disenchanted Orbit College FC coach, Pogisho Makhoye accused the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation of making empty promises. This comes after the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi allegedly made a promise that her department will bear some of the cost regarding Orbit College FC’s pre-season camp in Potchefstroom.
According to Makhoye, that was just a ‘pep talk’ and nothing has been done thus far. Makhoye also raised the issue regarding the readiness of Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
However, the North West MEC for Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation, Virginia Tlhapi spokesperson, Motheo Sebolaaneng said Olympia Park Stadium is the responsibility of the Rustenburg Local Municipality and they are the one that committed to fix the stadium in the stakeholders meeting held at Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg.
Sebolaaneng said the municipality confirmed in a meeting that they have the budget to fix the stadium.
“So, blaming the North West Department of Arts, Sports, Culture and Recreation in matters related to the local government is unfair. However, Tlhapi met with the local municipality and made arrangements with the private sector to speed up the renovation of the stadium.
“On the issue of camping, the department made a commitment for the camp in Potchefstroom and instructed the Sport Academy, an entity of the department, to settle the payment,” he said.
Sebolaaneng further said, however, upon arrival, the Academy Manager was told that the club has already paid for the accommodation. He added that the process now is for the Academy, upon receiving its transfer from the department, to refund the team and they were made aware of that.
“The commitment made by the department was to support the Orbit College FC with R400 000, which R100 000 was supposed to be for the camp and R300 000 for the pre-season tournament. So, this is the amount which will be paid.
“Unfortunately the process of government needs to be followed, especially that the department wants to maintain its clean audit,” said Sebolaaneng.
Meanwhile, the Rustenburg Local Municipality acting spokesperson, Odirile Modiba told Radio 2000that: “Indeed, we understand the frustration and we are working around the clock to address that. There are four issues that were highlighted by the Betway Premier Soccer League (PSL) regarding the use of Olympia Park Stadium.
“So, the Rustenburg Local Municipality is addressing those issues and hopefully by the end of September, the Orbit College FC will be back to its home ground.”
The Guardian 