Tafel Lager Park (the Griqua Rugby Stadium) was sold to Sol Plaatje University.
Arni van Rooyen, CEO of Griqua rugby, says the transfer should take place within the next three weeks.
“All paperwork has been signed. The university has already transferred the money into our lawyer’s account.”
Van Rooyen did not want to comment on the selling price of the stadium.
“It does not make sense for us financially to keep the stadium. It costs a lot to maintain. We are now going to rent it from the university and everything will proceed as normal. Very few unions in the country have their own stadium. It does not really affect us.”
The union management and Sol Plaatje University will meet regularly to work together on what will be happening.
“The university’s other sports facilities are right next door. If they want to host a Varsity Cup, they can now use it for rugby and football.”
He says the receipt of this transaction has been positive so far. “Everyone sees the purpose of the sale.”
The money Griquas receives for the sale of the stadium will be invested.
Van Rooyen says no commission was paid on the purchase transaction.
These developments will not affect any staff.
* The only other union in the country that still owns their own stadium is Boland Rugby.
