Maties Hockey once again expanded its hockey offering by adding a third astroturf to their facility and officially welcomed athletes to their grounds in August this year. This astroturf became a reality, thanks to the valuable partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU) and Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG). It was officially laid on 12 February 2024, and construction lasted six months.
The new astroturf is next to the current Maties hockey fields and aims to expand PRG and SU’s hockey offerings further.
Maties Hockey Sport Manager, Anche Nortje expressed her excitement in adding another astroturf to their already busy facility. “We are proud to be the only university in South Africa with three water-based astroturfs, a significant milestone that brings us closer to becoming a world-class facility. The majestic backdrop of the Stellenbosch mountains, combined with our three astroturfs, makes our venue a desirable destination for international teams.
“The new astroturf was made possible through our collaboration with PRG, for which we are deeply grateful. As Maties Hockey, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with PRG and continuing to build on our already strong relationship,” Nortje said.
Maties Sport Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald, shared her thoughts on the latest addition to Maties Sport’s world-class facilities: “Maties Sport and Maties Hockey are thrilled to see the expansion of our hockey facilities through the successful collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Paul Roos Gymnasium. The addition of a third astroturf not only enhances our capability to host national and international events but also underscores our commitment to excellence in sports. This milestone represents the strength of our partnerships and the shared vision for developing talent in our community.”
This collaborative effort reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to promote excellence in hockey and provide exceptional opportunities for our athletes.
“Since the very beginning, Stellenbosch University has built valuable partnerships with remarkable organisations and people — relationships that opened opportunities that would not otherwise be available if we were to do it alone,” said Stellenbosch University COO Prof Stan du Plessis.
“Like our University, Paul Roos Gymnasium is an anchor institution and valuable citizen of this beautiful town of Stellenbosch. Over the years, our nurtured relationship with PRG has only grown stronger, and we can celebrate another mutually beneficial project together – that of a third hockey astroturf, which expands our mutual hockey offering even further.”
PRG Rector, Andre van Staden also echoed the same sentiments ahead of the official opening and its importance for growth for both stakeholders hockey programmes saying: “We are proud of our partnership with SU which has resulted in this remarkable facility which we believe will contribute to the growth of excellence in hockey for both partners.”
Official opening details below:
Date: 7 October, Monday
Time: 17:45 for 18:00
Venue: Maties Hockey Astro
For an enquiries regarding the official opening or booking of the Astro please contact Anche Nortje on 0218084681 or anche@sun.ac.za
By Kimara Singh
Photo Credits: Turftech