New Upgraded Stadium to Open in Tsumeb

David Adetona

24 June 2011

Namibia Custom Smelters (NCS), will officially open the newly upgraded J. P. Ratledge Stadium Complex in Tsumeb on 2 July.

“Approximately N$450 000 was spent to upgrade the stadium. The money was provided through the newly established Dundee Precious Metals – Namibia Custom Smelters Tsumeb Community Trust Fund,” said Jim Kastelic, public relations superintendent of Namibia Custom Smelters.

According to Kastelic, the surfaces of all four netball courts were completely revamped and one side of the entire area was fenced. The surfaces of four tennis courts were painted and the hockey field was graded and one side of the field was fenced, while the rugby practice field and soccer field were cleaned and refurbished.

He added that a new scoreboard was built and installed, the entire pavilion (interior and exterior) was cleaned of graffiti, patched and painted. All cisterns in the toilets were replaced; plumbing works were repaired and upgraded and the bathrooms were re-painted. The locker room was upgraded and painted.

Kastelic said the upgrading of the stadium eliminated the need for every school in the town to build an athletics track and pavilion for their learners to participate in sport events.

“Currently the stadium caters to the sports needs of all 10 primary and secondary schools in Tsumeb,” Kastelic added.

He said the motivation behind upgrading the stadium was to provide a central place for schools in the town and other areas in the vicinity to host their sports activities or competitions in a safe and conducive environment.

“It is worth mentioning that at the beginning of this month a national sport-and-academics week for all private schools in Namibia was hosted at the newly upgraded J.P. Ratledge Stadium. The event attracted 5,000 visitors from all across the country to Tsumeb, and this influx contributed greatly to the local economy,” Kastelic said.

The stadium was constructed by the former lead and copper producer, Tsumeb Corporation Limited (TCL) about 40 years ago. The stadium was named after J.P. Ratledge, the former general manager of the mining company, who contributed tremendously to the development and revival of the town.

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