By 
Rugby is one of the sports in South Africa that commands a large support, tourism as well economic opportunities for local businesses. The recent downgrade of the Free State Stadium, also known as Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein is a big blow to Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM).
The Metro, led by the Executive Mayor Cllr Gregory Nthatisi, together with the MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms Zanele Sefuba met with the Cheetahs and the South African Rugby Union (SARU) on 9 April 2025, in Bloemfontein where the Mayor expressed the City’s sadness regarding the downgrade of the stadium.
SARU downgraded the Free State Stadium to Class C venue pointing out a few concerns that the venue has to meet. This effectively means that Mangaung Metro will no longer host high-profile rugby test matches, mainly because of limited flight access, limited accommodation option, transport including passenger rail and the general upkeep of the stadium itself.
“We are saddened by the news, and we want to work with all the relevant stakeholders to see to it that the facility is upgraded. The people of Mangaung are big sport fanatics, they rally behind all the teams that play here,” said the Executive Mayor Cllr Gregory Nthatisi.
According to Nthatisi, the downgrade not only takes away international and high profile rugby games, it snubs the economic opportunities for local businesses that come with the games, as fans descend to Bloemfontein, the City experiences an economic boom as fans buy food, fuel, book accommodation and many other activities. Nthatisi said this is a huge blow to the community of Mangaung and central South Africa as a whole.
Rian Oberholzer, SARU CEO, said there are certain things that the City, the province and Cheetahs must do to meet the required standard in moving the stadium to Class B.
“The general upkeep of the stadium is one of the factors that you must pay close attention to, the pitch and the cleanliness of the precinct. What the City should look into is having fan parks, where people can go and watch games that are playing in the province,” said Oberholzer.
The Free State MEC for Sports Arts, Culture and Recreation Ms Zanele Sifuba said the province will also play its part in ensuring that the municipality and the Cheetahs receive the necessary support in meeting the required standards set by SARU.
“We must create a conducive environment and build partnerships that will contribute to the financial health of the province. We will continue to support the municipality and the Cheetahs, and the people of this province. Sports makes a big contribution to SMMES and the tourism sector in the City,” said MEC Sefuba.
