Nass grateful for support despite challenges

Despite ongoing challenges at Northdale Stadium, the Northern Areas Soccer Stream (Nass) continues to keep community football thriving, ensuring one of Pietermaritzburg’s oldest football traditions remains alive. Formerly known as the Pietermaritzburg and District Soccer Association (Padsa), Nass has continued to organise junior and senior leagues despite infrastructure problems at the historic Northdale Stadium. The venue, once widely regarded as the “Mecca of local football”, continues to face issues including ageing ablution facilities, sewerage problems, changing rooms, floodlights and general maintenance.

“The Northern Areas Soccer Stream [Nass] would like to acknowledge the following sponsors towards our Junior and Senior League for 2026. “Your dedication towards building football in the Northern Areas is noted and we say thank you for your immense contribution to football development. You are shaping football at the once iconic venue regarded as the Mecca of football, Northdale Stadium,” the association said.

Among those recognised were Ravin Maharaj of Remax, Dian Pillay and family, Nadira Binoath and family, and the daughters of the late Sherzaad for their continued support in helping revive football in the area. Nass public relations officer Roland Naidoo said the association was grateful to the individuals and businesses who continue to invest in community football. We are very grateful, honoured and blessed to have people in our community who are always prepared to go the extra mile to ensure the association and the game remain alive. “Our partners, families, sponsors, clubs and the entire Nass structure are proof that we are still active and that football is very much alive in Northdale,” Naidoo said.