Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) CEO, Bertie Grobbelaar, has provided an official update regarding the condition of the FNB Stadium playing surface and the corrective actions now confirmed, “In January 2025, following ongoing challenges in restoring the pitch to its expected world-class standard, a technical assessment was undertaken by our appointed pitch maintenance service provider.”
Despite their efforts, the surface could not be rehabilitated to meet the required performance criteria, prompting immediate further investigation. “To ensure accuracy and objectivity, SMSA and the City of Johannesburg under whose mandate we manage FNB Stadium, commissioned an independent expert study to determine the root cause,” he said.
The findings confirmed that the stadium’s GrassMaster Desso hybrid pitch system, installed over 12 years ago, has reached the end of its operational lifespan. “The synthetic polypropylene fibres, designed to reinforce the natural grass, have deteriorated over time, becoming brittle and losing the structural integrity essential to pitch stability. The GrassMaster system is a premium solution that integrates natural grass with synthetic fibre reinforcement,” he added.
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As the grass matures, its roots intertwine with the artificial fibres to create a strong, stable, and durable playing surface. However, once these fibres break down, exacerbated by high match-day usage and natural wear, the surface becomes unstable, resulting in turf displacement, drainage inefficiencies, and uneven playing conditions, as currently observed. Following consultation with international turf specialists, the only viable and sustainable solution presented was a full replacement of the hybrid pitch system. “This will involve the complete removal of the existing surface and installation of a new GrassMaster system, a process that requires a minimum 10-week window for proper execution.” Due to the intensity of the football calendar and the operational constraints of an inseason rebuild, SMSA confirms that the City of Johannesburg has approved the full turf replacement to commence in May 2025, immediately after the conclusion of the current PSL season.
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In the interim, our pitch maintenance team will continue to make every possible effort to ensure a playable surface for the remaining fixtures, including the highly anticipated Soweto Derby. Nonetheless, we wish to manage expectations and advise all stakeholders that the pitch may not reflect the usual visual or performance excellence associated with FNB Stadium during this transitional period. Stadium Management South Africa remains fully committed to preserving the reputation of FNB Stadium as a world-class venue. We thank all our fans, partners, and stakeholders for their patience, support, and understanding as we invest in the long-term quality of this iconic playing surface.”
Bongi Sikelo 
admin 