Plan to open Die Kraal for practice in March 2026 receives blessing of rugby legends
It was a Friday afternoon with a difference in the City Manager’s boardroom. The air was filled with expectation, excitement and a mutual respect as Drakenstein rugby royalty took their seats at the boardroom table.
Memories of their golden years at the Die Kraal Sports Grounds in Paarl East were brought back as Louis Pienaar, Executive Director: Engineering Services, shared the 1955 site plan of this historic terrain. The group, led by rugby legend Randy “Yster” Marinus, remembered how there were originally four rugby fields, which other sports were contested at Die Kraal, and how sport at these grounds were often a family affair.
Pienaar continued to reflect how the terrain changed over the last seven decades, and then presented the Municipality’s new project plan to restore their beloved Die Kraal to its former glory.
Dr Johan Leibbrandt, City Manager, who initiated and chaired the meeting on 14 November 2025, said this restoration project has been in the making for quite a while and unfortunately suffered various unacceptable delays. “It is important that we now give it the momentum it deserves, that we honour the legends and community members whose presence graced these fields, and tell the story of Die Kraal.”
He emphasised the Municipality’s commitment to do just that and to take hands with the sporting community to make it happen.
“This is a legacy project,” said Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor, while Dr Leibbrandt impressed on everyone how important it is to get the new Die Kraal rugby fields ready for players to start practising as soon as possible. The opening date is planned for March next year.
In the room, bursting with sporting talent (in rugby as well as netball, cricket, athletics and drum majorettes), were among others Pompies Williams, Randy Marinus (as mentioned above), Mario Williams, Kevin Benjamin, Pieter Lourens, Angelo Carolissen, Thomas du Plessis, Quinton Jacobs, James “Basie” Pedro, Christiaan Herandien, Adrienne Thomas, Jessica Adams and Randall Williams.
After the celebrated group gave their input into what the project should entail, the afternoon was spent on reminiscing, sharing stories, and dreaming of watching local stars-in-the-making again running out on their favourite old stomping ground, Die Kraal.
6 March 2026:
55 sport codes, one municipality - Drakenstein leads the way
This week, Drakenstein Municipality hosted its first Mayor Connects of the year at Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate in Wellington. Over 60 sport leaders and municipal officials came together under the theme: Sport.
This gathering showcased how Drakenstein Municipality is not only talking about opportunities but actively creating them.
Councillor Stephen Korabie, Executive Mayor of the Municipality, reminded attendees: “Drakenstein Municipality does not make false promises, we perform. We make sure things happen - this is how you must get to know Drakenstein. Here, we must govern and deliver.”
The Municipality’s investment in the rebirth of the historic Die Kraal sports grounds is proof of this commitment. The Executive Mayor added: “Die Kraal is a good example that we don’t just talk about creating spaces, we build them. We don’t just talk about opportunities for young people, we create pathways for them to develop, become leaders and live out their dreams.”
Through 55 sport codes across Drakenstein, the Municipality is building an environment where young people can thrive, teamwork and discipline can flourish and communities can unite.
Councillor Korabie encourages partners to help maintain and sustain sport facilities for the future.
From Dal Josaphat to Mbekweni, Drakenstein Municipality is ensuring that sport is not just about play, it is also about building a stronger and safer community.
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