Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium
Location
Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium is located in the township of Clermont, west of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Positioned within a strong football community, the stadium serves as a key sporting venue for the surrounding area.
Naming & Cultural Significance
The stadium is named after Cedric “Sugar Ray” Xulu, a celebrated footballer from the 1960s who played for AmaZulu FC in Durban and Mbabane Swallows in Eswatini. Widely regarded as a football legend within Durban’s sporting circles, the naming of the stadium honours his legacy and reinforces a strong connection between local sporting heritage and community infrastructure.
History & Development
Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium underwent significant upgrades around 2009/2010 in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and was selected as one of the official training venues. As part of the refurbishment, the stadium’s capacity increased from approximately 1,700 seats to around 6,500 spectators, enhancing its ability to host structured fixtures and events.
The stadium is owned and operated by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality under the Stadia and Facilities Unit.
Facilities & Capacity Overview
Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium provides the following facilities to support sporting and community activities:
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Main bowl capacity of approximately 6,500 spectators
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Presidential Suite accommodating up to 80 guests
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VIP Suite with a capacity of 100 guests
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Media facility for up to 20 people
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Boardroom seating for approximately 15 people
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33 parking bays
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84 ablution facilities
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4 paraplegic-accessible facilities
These facilities enable the venue to accommodate match-day operations, media coverage, corporate engagements and community events.
Community Role
Primarily used for football, the stadium hosts club fixtures, youth league matches and community sporting activities. As a township-based venue that benefited from World Cup-era investment, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium represents a legacy infrastructure asset that continues to support grassroots sport and local development.
By combining upgraded facilities with a name deeply rooted in Durban’s football history, the stadium serves not only as a sporting venue but also as a symbol of community pride and sporting excellence.
