The construction of a new astro turf for Stellenbosch University’s Maties Hockey, and for the local school, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG), is nearing completion. This is according to Anche Nortjé, Maties’ hockey sport manager.
There is a new hockey astro on Stellenbosch University’s turf! The astro is nearing completion and is anticipated to be finished in the week of 1 July. This is according to Anche Nortjé, Maties’ hockey sport manager. VIDEO: Duné van Jaarsveld
The astro, which is being constructed at Coetzenburg stadium, should be completed in the week of 1 July, said Nortjé.
The construction of the new astro officially started on 12 February 2024, said Nortjé.
The astro is a collaborative project between PRG and Maties Sport, according to Nortjé.
“Maties Sport is providing the land, while Paul Roos Gimnasium is responsible for
securing the necessary funding,” said Nortjé.
PRG Hockey has launched a number of initiatives to fund the new astro, said Michael Baker, head of hockey at PRG. One of these initiatives, according to Baker, include the astro block project, where PRG sells “blocks” of the astro to the community to raise funds.
“We have also received a substantial donation from an interested party, but the bulk of the funds will be covered by the school,” said Baker.
The cost of the project could not be confirmed by the time of publication.
Construction and contractors
The main contractor responsible for building the astro is Turftech, a company that specialises in the building and development of sports fields. This is according to Clint Davis, project manager for JT Maritz Electric, and the electrician contractor working on the astro’s construction site.
A need for more hockey at both institutions
“Paul Roos Gimnasium, lacking its own astro, currently relies on Maties Hockey as its home venue. The project aims to address the growing demand for training facilities and match venues, thereby providing more players with the opportunity to train regularly on astros and compete in matches,” said Nortjé.
“In association with Stellenbosch University, we [PRG] identified the need for an extra turf at the existing complex to grow hockey at both institutions,” said Baker.
The new astro will have the same basic features as the University’s other two astros. It will have a dugout, spray lights and it will be a water based turf, according to Nortjé.
“The new astro will operate similarly to our existing two astros. Paul Roos Gimnasium will utilize it during the afternoons, while Maties Hockey club players and Stellenbosch University campus players will have access to it during the evenings and on weekends,” said Nortje.
The new astro will be referred to as “Maties Hockey’s third astro”. This is according to Anche Nortjé, Maties’ hockey sport manager. INFOGRAPHIC: Duné van Jaarsveld