First full-size football field opens in Joburg’s inner city in 100 years
A historic moment for Johannesburg’s inner city was marked today with the official ribbon-cutting and launch of the Field of Dreams. This pioneering new sports complex has been developed by the Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) and Standard Bank, in partnership with Italtile, the BW Cares Foundation, supported by Jozi My Jozi, and pioneered by South Africa’s former national cricket captain and altruist Dr Ali Bacher.
Located near the M1 Selby offramp on land owned and made available by Standard Bank, the Field of Dreams is the first full-size football field to be built in the Johannesburg CBD in a century.
This world-class precinct also includes spectator stands, a multi-court sports complex featuring netball and basketball courts, change rooms, and a clubhouse, providing safe and accessible facilities for young people who have not previously had access to such amenities in the inner city.
The project aims to transform the lives of inner-city youth where currently, many of them only have streets and makeshift spaces to kick a ball. Offering them a safe, secure and positive environment will enable talent, teamwork, and aspiration to thrive.
A green beacon of hope
MII CEO Dr Taddy Blecher described the Field of Dreams as a powerful symbol of belief in Johannesburg’s youth.
“This is more than just a football field – it is a solid investment in our youth. For decades, this city was known for its gold and industry. Today, we are digging deeper for something far more valuable: the genius, creativity, and infinite potential within our young people,” says Blecher. “The Field of Dreams will be a place where they build confidence, learn teamwork, and discover that their futures are boundless. It is a symbol of pride being restored to our city.”
Blecher emphasised that the facility forms part of MII’s ambitious vision to develop ‘Education Town’, a large-scale inner-city campus where thousands of young people gather daily to study, meditate, learn essential life skills, engage in sporting activities and access pathways to future employment.
“We are proud to present the Field of Dreams in partnership with the Maharishi Invincibility Institute. We believe this will be a space that serves as a gateway where education and recreation come together to empower and nurture the next generation. This initiative is also a demonstration of our commitment to supporting and growing sporting excellence from grassroot level,” said Nkosinathi Manzana, Executive Head: Group Real Estate at Standard Bank.
A vision led by civic partnership
The development was the brainchild of, and has been championed by Dr Bacher, whose extensive legacy in sports administration and nation-building is deeply embodied in this initiative. He has played an invaluable role in mobilising support to transform this area of the city centre into a place of safety, opportunity, and pride.
“Sport has always had the power to unify and uplift,” said Dr Bacher. “The Field of Dreams is part of a broader movement to restore dignity, possibility, and safe spaces for young people across our city.”
As one of the key partners to the project and its vision, Jozi My Jozi is a movement that aims to bring hope back and instil pride into our city.
By fostering collaboration among individuals, government, civil society and the private sector, through a call-to-action, the coalition continues to enable the implementation of sustainable and impactful projects within the inner city. “Our partnership with MII and Standard Bank on the Field of Dreams project is a perfect example of collaboration to bring sports and recreation for the benefit of the youth into the inner city,” says Bea Swanepoel, CEO of Jozi My Jozi.
Creating real impact where it’s needed most
For Standard Bank, owner of the land now being transformed into this landmark facility, the project demonstrates a commitment to long-term, sustainable impact in Johannesburg’s urban heart.
The Field of Dreams brings world-class infrastructure directly to communities that have been underserved for decades. With the rapidly growing youth population in the inner city, the need for formal spaces for sport and recreation has never been greater. From structured sport development programmes to social leagues and community events, the facility is expected to become a vibrant gathering point for the youth of the CBD, surrounding townships, and neighbouring informal settlements.
Investing in dreams, not just infrastructure
Manzana concluded: “As a bank, we remain deeply committed to the regeneration of the inner city and to the power of public-private collaboration. This field is, therefore, a unique investment - not purely in concrete or commerce, but in the spirit of community and the future of the city of Johannesburg.”