Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit: A 2010 World Cup venue

The challenges

With just ten weeks to go to the start of the World Cup, the challenge was for STRI to convert the “dustbowl” into a world-class pitch that would meet FIFA’s exacting standards.

The old rootzone had to be removed and the new material spread, levelled and graded in just four days ready for seeding. A world-class pitch would only be achieved in time by introducing an artificial grass reinforcement system six weeks after seeding. Three weeks before the first match was to be played, the Desso GrassMaster system would need to be installed.

The objectives

• To remove the rootzone and replace with a new imported growing medium.
• To apply ryegrass seed and grow-in a pitch that was strong enough to take the installation of the Desso GrassMaster system.
• To tailor a maintenance programme to meet not only the needs of the pitch but the climate, usage and timescales.
• To produce a world-class playing surface in ten weeks.

The solutions

The upper profile was removed overnight and a new growing medium imported. The subsurface was graded out and the irrigation system was checked, marked and protected. With only four days allocated for the firming and grading of the rootzone before seeding with ryegrass, many long hours were worked to ensure deadlines were met.

Spreading of the upper rootzone layer

The pitch was seeded with ryegrass, a 100% granular fertiliser was applied and the irrigation system was used heavily to aid germination. Within three days of seeding the first shoots were seen and by day six the pitch was green. Six weeks following seeding, the pitch was strong enough to take the installation of the Desso GrassMaster system.

Fully seeded pitch

The installation of the Desso GrassMaster system was completed in three weeks, with only two days to go before the first match was to be played.

The pitch was mown on a daily basis and drag brushing was performed twice a week to help achieve a clean, upright sward. The disease ‘grey leaf spot’ was encountered two weeks from seeding but was soon controlled by an application of Heritage. Fertilising took the form of liquid feeds and chelated iron to maintain nutrient levels and produce the desired colour. Irrigation was used extensively during the grow-in stage but following germination it was reduced to encourage deeper rooting and reduce the risk of disease. It was increased again to prepare the pitch for play and, due to the lack of rainfall and high daytime temperatures, was used daily for the duration of the tournament.

Nine days after seeding

The results

• The Desso GrassMaster System was installed successfully and the pitch played very well during its first test match.
• The pitch played superbly and looked tremendous during the first World Cup match held at the Mbombela Stadium and continued to do so throughout the tournament.
• The groundstaff now have the necessary expertise to ensure the pitch will continue to serve football at the stadium for the future.