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‘World’s strangest stadium’ has ‘bonkers’ triangular stands and holds 59,000 people
'World's strangest stadium' has 'bonkers' triangular stands and holds 59,000 people,The design of Mmabatho Stadium in South Africa has split the opinion of supporters online with fans unsure of the floating stands, the uncovered grandstand and the small triangular sections

‘World’s strangest stadium’ has ‘bonkers’ triangular stands and holds 59,000 people

Football fans have been left bewildered by the 'bonkers' Mmabatho Stadium in South Africa.

Holding a capacity of 59,000 people, which would make it the fifth-largest Premier League ground, the quirky arena was designed by Israeli architect Israel Goodovitch in 1981 as a monument to a king. The eccentric stadium features triangular stands behind either goal with solar panel-like blocks scattered around the outer rim.

The stadium has drawn comparison to something out of a science fiction novel and its bizarre detailing proved too hot for FIFA to handle when discussing potential venues for the first African World Cup.

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Not only was the stadium snubbed for the 2010 World Cup due to concerns over practicalities, but it was also deemed not good enough as a training venue.

Still one of the highest-sized grounds in South Africa, Mmabatho Stadium has split the opinion of fans online. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Is Mmabatho Stadium the best-looking stadium in the world? Let us know in the comments section below

The stadium has one of the more complex layouts
The stadium has one of the more complex layouts

Never knew this enigma even existed – but I love it!" praised one supporter alongside an emoji featuring love hearts as eyes. "Finally, a top tier post. That stadiums f***king mental what on earth," harked a second, with a laughing emoticon.

"Nah this stadium used to be the best, I hope soccer teams can play here again," posted a third, with the stadium undergoing renovation.

The stadium has split the opinion of fans online
The stadium has split the opinion of fans online
The ground boasts the capacity for 59,000
The ground boasts the capacity for 59,000

"Definitely one of the strangest, if not the strangest stadium I have ever visited," cheered a fourth.

Responding to a question on the best stadium in the world, a fifth answered: "Mmabatho Stadium on South Africa for its bonkers architecture." Though not all fans were in agreement regarding the unconventional design.

The arena was snubbed for the 2010 World Cup
The arena was snubbed for the 2010 World Cup

"Made my eyeballs hurt," slammed one supporter. "Worst stadium in SA, it looks like those stadiums in west Africa," blasted a second. "This stadium was poorly designed let's be honest," jeered a third.

While fans may agree on its unique nature, Mmabatho Stadium's design is actually almost identical to Odi Stadium, also in South Africa, which boasts an uncovered grandstand, four rectangular stands, two small triangular stands and twenty floating stands.

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