Whether you’re a weekend warrior, an aspiring young athlete, or a seasoned competitor, Gauteng offers a wealth of top-class sports facilities. From world-famous stadiums to community pools and elite training centres, the province caters to every sport imaginable. Here’s your ultimate guide to where to train and play – whether in Johannesburg, Pretoria or surrounding areas.
Major Stadiums and Venues
Gauteng is home to iconic stadiums that have hosted global events. These are not just for spectators – many also support training and development.
- FNB Stadium (Nasrec): The country’s largest stadium, home to Kaizer Chiefs and national team games.
- Ellis Park Stadium (Doornfontein): Historic venue for rugby and soccer, part of a wider sports precinct with an athletics track and aquatic centre.
- Orlando Stadium (Soweto): A football fortress and the home of Orlando Pirates.
- Rand Stadium (Rosettenville): A multipurpose ground used by local football clubs.
- Loftus Versfeld (Pretoria): Premier rugby venue, also hosting Bafana Bafana and Bulls matches.
- Wanderers & SuperSport Park: Cricket grounds in Johannesburg and Centurion, respectively, both with additional tennis and squash facilities.
- Johannesburg Stadium: A multi-purpose athletics stadium also used by football teams.
Public Sports Complexes and Community Facilities
For affordable and accessible sport, look no further than our municipalities’ offerings.
- Ekurhuleni Municipal Grounds: Facilities like Delville Sports Ground, Greenfields, and Kwa-Thema support football, rugby and athletics.
- Johannesburg’s Upgrades: New projects like Rabie Ridge Sport Centre and Chris Hani Sports Complex aim to bring world-class sport closer to townships.
- Swimming Pools: Ellis Park Aquatic Centre is a gem, but dozens of pools across Joburg and Ekurhuleni serve local communities with seasonal, low-cost access.
- Athletics and Courts: Tracks, basketball, and netball courts are found in many local parks, managed by city councils or universities like Wits and Tuks.
Swimming and Aquatics
Swimming is well-supported, with options ranging from casual splashes to competitive training.
- Ellis Park Aquatic Centre: Olympic-sized and open to the public.
- Orlando Pool: A Soweto favourite with a proud legacy.
- Ekurhuleni Pools: Reopened in suburbs like Germiston and Edenvale, many with learn-to-swim programmes.
- Private Clubs: Professional coaching from clubs like Hammanskraal Swim Klub and R&R Aquatics Pretoria.
Private Sports Clubs and Academies
Private clubs offer structured leagues, coaching and community camaraderie.
- Pirates Sports Club (Randburg): Multi-sport from rugby to running.
- Wanderers Club (Illovo): Tennis, squash, cricket, and more.
- Old Parks (Bedfordview): Football, cricket, hockey, and even padel tennis.
- Sandton Sports Club: Modern facilities with a family-friendly vibe.
- Football Academies: SuperSport United Academy, Juventus and RCDE offer high-level training to youth players.
- Cricket and Tennis Clubs: Gauteng is rich in traditional sports clubs hosting provincial trials and community leagues.
High-Performance and Elite Centres
For serious athletes, Gauteng boasts some of the country’s best training grounds.
- TUKS High Performance Centre (Pretoria): Olympic-level training in multiple disciplines, plus sports science and accommodation.
- Roodeplaat Dam: National rowing base, open to club and school use.
- Specialised Centres: From elite tennis and swimming to martial arts dojos and national athletics camps.
Something for Everyone
Whether you’re in the heart of Johannesburg, the suburbs of Ekurhuleni, or the leafy campuses of Pretoria, there’s no shortage of world-class sports spaces to keep you moving. Municipal parks are great for casual play and grassroots development, while private clubs and academies offer more structured training.
Also read: How to Sign Up for Action Sports in Gauteng
