Cape Town – The Greens Sports Ground has been handed over to the community of Manenberg after upgrades of R20 million were completed.
Previously, the facility was a beloved yet ageing sports hub for local athletes and residents.
The Greens had served as an essential gathering place for community events and sports activities over the years, although its ageing infrastructure needed significant improvements.
The recent upgrades not only revitalise its infrastructure but also reinforce its significance as a pillar of community pride and development.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis handed over the newly-upgraded Manenberg Sports Ground to the community on Saturday, 20 September 2025.
The mayor was accompanied by Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, and Ward Councillor Deidre de Vos.
Manenberg’s “The Greens” Sports Ground underwent a major facelift, which included replacing the facility’s ageing astro turf.
The new surface includes a full-size astro turf field plus two five-a-side pitches, expanding options for the many teams and players using the facility.
All fields are equipped with floodlights for evening matches.
Further upgrades include the construction of two Weather-Flex multi-purpose courts and a Weather-Flex warm-up running track, upgrades to internal roads and hard surfaces, the installation of outdoor gym equipment, timber and steel play equipment, new signage, fencing upgrades, and lighting upgrades.
Construction took place over an 18-month period for a total project cost of around R20 million.
“It was a joy to check out these newly-upgraded sports facilities, which are set to help young people in Manenberg develop their talents and reach their full sporting potential,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.
“Top-class sports facilities like these hold priceless value for communities, showing the impact of Cape Town’s SA-record infrastructure investments, 75% of which directly benefit lower-income households.”
The Greens Sports Ground is a place of belonging, safety, and pride for Manenberg.
With nearly R20 million invested here as part of the larger Manenberg Integrated Recreational Facility project, we’re delivering on our promise to create accessible, dignified spaces for residents of all ages.
This project reflects the City’s commitment to community wellbeing and to working hand-in-hand with local leaders and organisations to build a safer, healthier, and more connected Cape Town.
“We are encouraged that there were no reported incidents of vandalism in the past year at this sports ground, highlighting community pride in the facility,” said Councillor Higham.
“The upgrade also included fencing, lighting, and landscaping improvements, making the area safer, more accessible, and welcoming for all.
“Let’s keep working together to ensure the community enjoys the advantage of these amazing facilities now and into the future.”
The upgrades have also been welcomed by the Manenberg Local Football Association (LFA), with the new turf and additional pitches set to help preserve the LFA’s grass fields.
This will ensure year-round play, as waterlogged pitches in winter previously hampered matches.
Over the next three years, communities will benefit from various sports and recreation facility upgrades, including:
- R123 million for sports facilities capital upgrades;
- R66 million for recreation hubs and community hall capital upgrades;
- R171 million for parks and public space capital upgrades;
- Over R191 million in library upgrades, equipment, books and subscriptions; and
- Over R95 million for community swimming pool operations and upgrades
