The facility is expected to provide outstanding opportunities for growth, youth development, and increased exposure for aspiring athletes.
Kimberley is poised to become a powerhouse in South African school sports with the launch of a world-class sporting hub, made possible by a groundbreaking partnership between Kimberley Boys’ High School (KHS) and Diamantveld High School (DHS).
The two prestigious institutions have officially signed agreements and broken ground, marking the start of a transformative venture that will reshape the city’s sports landscape.
Oloff Bergh, Head of Sports and Operations Manager at DHS, described the occasion as a proud milestone, emphasising the collaborative effort behind the project.
“It is with great pride and excitement that we welcome you all to this prestigious occasion,” Bergh told the DFA. “This project is a testament to the strength of collaboration, as it is a joint venture between Kimberley Boys’ High and Hoërskool Diamantveld, two institutions that have played a vital role in shaping the future of our youth.”
A Vision for Excellence
The joint venture will see the development of a state-of-the-art sports facility that includes:
Astro Hockey Turf — Providing a premier surface for high-intensity hockey matches and training.
Rugby Field — A top-class field designed to host high-profile rugby tournaments and school matches.
Dugouts and change rooms — modern, well-equipped spaces to enhance the athlete experience.
Ample Parking — Ensuring convenience for participants, spectators, and visitors.
Swimming Pool — Adding another dimension to the multi-sport offering.
Cricket Fields — Catering to one of Kimberley’s most popular sports.
Squash Courts — Expanding the hub’s sporting versatility.
This facility will not only benefit KHS and DHS but will also serve as a beacon of sporting excellence for the entire region.
The facility is expected to provide outstanding opportunities for growth, youth development, and increased exposure for aspiring athletes. According to Bergh, “this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our community, one that will attract talent and elevate sports in the region.”
A Legacy of Hosting Top-Tier Events
KHS and DHS have long been at the forefront of hosting major sporting events, bringing some of the best young talent to Kimberley. These include:
ABSA Wildeklawer Sports Tournament — The biggest school sports event in Africa, featuring rugby, netball, soccer, and hockey, with over 3,600 top athletes.
Kovsies Sports Weekend — A premier multi-sport event attracting elite competition.
Diamantveld Cricket Festival — The largest T20 schools tournament in South Africa, endorsed by Cricket SA and Northern Cape Cricket, featuring 18 schools from nine provinces.
KHS Annual Founders Marathon — Drawing over 700 road runners and supporting local businesses.
Kay Motsepe Soccer Tournament & University Sport SA Soccer Champs — further cementing Kimberley’s reputation as a hub for football excellence.
Economic and Social Benefits for Kimberley
Beyond its sporting impact, this joint venture represents a massive financial and developmental boost for the city. With a financial injection of R160 million, the project is expected to:
Boost local businesses — restaurants, shops, hotels, and sports equipment vendors will all benefit from increased foot traffic.
Attract More Tournaments and Events — High-quality facilities will make Kimberley a prime venue for national and international competitions.
Create Jobs — Both temporary and permanent employment opportunities in event management, hospitality, and security.
Strengthen Community Engagement — Sporting events bring people together, fostering unity and city pride.
Enhance Infrastructure — Investments in sports facilities often lead to improvements in roads, streets, and public amenities.
A Commitment to Youth Development
One of the most significant outcomes of this project will be its impact on the youth. By providing access to world-class facilities, Kimberley’s young athletes will have unparalleled opportunities to develop their skills.
Developing Teamwork and Discipline — Encouraging life skills through structured sports programs.
Expanding Training & Game Opportunities — The new AstroTurf and fields will increase playing time and training quality.
Promoting Hockey at the Primary School Level — Future clinics and matches will nurture young talent.
The project was made possible through the expertise of Turftec, the company awarded the tender to develop the facility. Berg extended his gratitude to all stakeholders involved, highlighting their shared commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure in Kimberley.
Kimberley’s Sporting Future is Bright
This ambitious project is more than just a collection of facilities; it is a vision for the future. The collaboration between KHS and DHS is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions work together for the greater good of sport and community development.
With the establishment of a world-class hockey and rugby field, Kimberley is set to attract more high-profile sporting events, drawing visitors from across the country and injecting further economic growth into the city.
As construction begins, excitement is building in Kimberley’s sporting community. This project is not just about facilities — it’s about legacy, opportunity, and the future of sport in the Northern Cape.
The city is ready to take its place on the national stage, and the journey is under way.
