The Coetzenburg athletics track, a preferred venue for local and national athletics competitions and the training venue of choice for many international athletes, will undergo extensive upgrades in 2017.

The athletics track is almost 10 years old and certain areas have deteriorated to such an extent that it doesn't allow for training and competitions. The focus of phase one will be the cloak rooms, clubhouse, offices and track, which will be refurbished at a cost of R40 million.

The estimated completion date is December 2017 and no events will be hosted in the stadium from February 2017 onwards.

"Given the fact that Coetzenburg is a venue of choice for Varsity Athletics as well as one of the few coastal venues available for hosting the South African senior championships, we think athletics in the region as well as nationally will benefit from this upgrade," said Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director: Maties Sport.

"Coetzenburg is a preferred destination for many international athletes during their preparation for world championships, Commonwealth competitions and the Olympic Games and our venue is also used for practical sessions by SU Sport Science students, student athletics competitions, school athletics competitions, and the selection trials of many of our provincial teams."

Coetzenburg was once again a preferred training venue for many international sportsmen and women this summer, with more than 150 international athletes and coaches travelling to Stellenbosch in December and January as part of their pre-season preparation for the World Athletic Championships later this year.

These included official training squads from Holland, Sweden, France, Germany and Great Britain. Dutch athlete and Olympic silver medallist in the 200m Dafne Schippers, American Olympic gold medallist in the triple jump Christian Taylor and British Paralympian Richard Whitehead were some of the high-profile athletes who trained at Coetzenburg.

"Maties Athletics has a proud history and we want to provide our student-athletes, our community, our national athletes and our international visitors with the best facilities possible," added Groenewald.