26 November 2015
So how good are the Stadium Management SA (SMSA) managed pitches?
According to Servest Turf, and despite the extreme overhead temperatures, our venues are still the best in the country.
SMSA manages Orlando, Dobsonville, Rand and FNB Stadiums in the Highveld. While the dry and hot conditions have been a challenge not just for our venues but on social economy for greater Gauteng – these Stadias have still received a four out of five rating, according to the turf experts, whose credentials include the 2010 Fifa World Cup held in South Africa.
“FNB Stadium pitch is really taking strain from the heat wave…,” admitted Servest Turf in their report given to SMSA on the iconic 94, 736 seater venue in Nasrec which is home to current domestic champions, Kaizer Chiefs.
“The pitch are getting a well-deserved rest as well that will assist in recovery. The guys from the United Kingdom did tests and I am happy to inform you that we scored 4 stars for the pitch out of a possible 5 stars.”
On the home of Orlando Pirates, the historic Orlando Stadium sponsored by Lafarge, Servest Turf reported: “The Orlando pitch is looking really good. The Kikuyu is growing at a rapid rate and the fertilizer worked very well. We also scored a 4 star rating for this pitch out of a possible 5 stars.”
Dobsonville Stadium which is utilised by Moroka Swallows as well as Rand Stadium continue to be among the best playing surfaces in the country with the latter having hosted the SA National football team (Bafana Bafana) in their 2016 African Nations Championship fixture against Angola in October.