IN CONVERSATION WITH DR TADDY BLACHER, Maharishi Invincibility Institute (MII) CEO
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– 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
10:10
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 infr
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
10:10
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 infr
