The newly renamed Amos Chando Mkhari Stadium stands as a tribute to the late football icon's enduring legacy. Image: Ykarchitects.
(The Post News)– The city of Tshwane has officially renamed the Giant Stadium in Soshanguve to the Amos Chando Mkhari Stadium, honouring one of its own. The late soccer star, born in Ga-Rankuwa, left a lasting mark on South African football with a career that began at Witbank Spurs in 1974 and peaked at Orlando Pirates from 1978. He passed away in 2014.
The name change, proposed by the Soshanguve Heritage Foundation in 2023, received council approval this week. Tshwane MMC for economic development and spatial planning, Sarah Mabotsa, said the city’s naming policy supports honouring individuals who’ve shaped local history and identity. She commended the Foundation for their role in preserving the city’s heritage.
Residents were consulted, and Mkhari’s family supported the change. Nicknamed “Heel Extension” for his signature back-knee passes, Mkhari’s playing style captured imaginations. EFF Gauteng described the renaming as a powerful symbol of his contribution to the sport and community. This move not only commemorates a legend but also celebrates the spirit of township football and its role in shaping national pride.
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