Moses Mabhida Stadium pitch to be replaced after 16 years

Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium will receive a new playing surface next year, ending a wait of more than 16 years.

The decision was confirmed by eThekwini executive director of community services Vusi Mazibuko after the stadium was selected to host next weekend’s MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The venue, which hosted the 2010 Fifa World Cup semi-final, has faced sustained criticism over the condition of its pitch. Mazibuko said the eThekwini municipality had sought expert advice before approving plans to replace the surface.

“We had someone vastly experienced joining the stadium as an expert in pitch management towards the end of last year,” Mazibuko said.

“He has given us a plan for the next five years regarding what needs to happen to this pitch. He has [told] the city that this pitch needs replacement because every pitch of this nature needs replacement at least every 10 years.

“You are aware we haven’t replaced our pitch since 2010. He wants to replace it between May and August next year.”

The proposed work means the stadium’s existing surface will remain in place for the MTN8 final, before the replacement process is carried out during the period identified by the pitch-management expert.

Durban aims to retain major finals

eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba said the municipality understood the importance of delivering successful major events and viewed each occasion as an opportunity to host future finals.

“There are things we don’t want to share, but what we can say is when we prepare for any event, we do it so that it returns. We understand the value of hosting successful events.

“If you don’t host a successful final, you have already stopped yourself from hosting the next one. If you do everything to host a final and you do it successfully, you have already put your hand up for the bid of the subsequent final.”

Xaba said Moses Mabhida Stadium had developed a reputation for staging important football matches and domestic cup finals. He also highlighted the municipality’s control over the venue’s operations as an advantage.

“This stadium is known for doing that, and there are a few things that this stadium does right. One of the advantages others may not have is that nothing in this stadium gets outsourced from start to finish.

“Moses Mabhida Stadium has established a strong record in hosting major football fixtures and domestic cup finals. We welcome the opportunity to host the MTN8 final again.”