FNB Stadium Pitch Gets Makeover Ahead of Kaizer Chiefs’ Return
Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) has offered clarity on the condition and progress of the FNB Stadium pitch following recent renovations carried out during the off-season. The resurfacing was initiated to ensure the iconic venue meets the standards required to host upcoming Betway Premiership fixtures.
New Surface in Progress
Speaking on Radio 2000, SMSA CEO Bertie Grobbelaar addressed concerns about the state of the pitch, confirming that a full replacement was necessary due to the old surface reaching the end of its lifespan.
“The typical lifespan of a GrassMaster pitch ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on usage,” Grobbelaar explained. “Experts assessed the surface and confirmed it had exceeded its durability, prompting us to replace it. We couldn’t do this mid-season, so the work began after the campaign ended.”
Chiefs Set to Return
Kaizer Chiefs, who call FNB Stadium home, begin their 2025/26 league campaign away against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium this Sunday. They are then scheduled to return to FNB Stadium to face Polokwane City next Wednesday, followed by another home match against Richards Bay six days later.
Grobbelaar noted that while the new surface is well underway, it’s not yet at 100%. “They’ve removed the old pitch, performed the necessary maintenance, and stitching is currently in progress. The GrassMaster machine is still on the field,” he said.
Temporary Imperfections Expected
While the bulk of the work has been completed, Grobbelaar acknowledged that parts of the pitch, particularly the northern section, may still appear patchy when Chiefs host Polokwane City.
“The northern side of the pitch might still look uneven for about two more weeks, but it’s growing in. It’s not a matter of neglect; we are actively working on it,” he assured.
He also emphasised the responsibility of stadiums in supporting the quality of football. “The sport thrives on good playing surfaces. All stakeholders, including venues, must play their part in delivering a quality football experience,” Grobbelaar added.
Multi-Purpose Venue Challenges
FNB Stadium is not only a football venue but also hosts large-scale events, such as concerts. Grobbelaar acknowledged that balancing commercial viability and pitch quality is a continuous challenge.
“Most stadiums can’t rely solely on football. Events like the recent Chris Brown concert, attended by over 90,000 fans, help sustain the venue financially,” he said. “But concerts put added pressure on the playing surface, which makes maintenance more complex.”
He further explained that the shift in seasons also affects Kikuyu grass pitches more severely than hybrid surfaces, compounding the difficulty.
Grobbelaar concluded by reaffirming SMSA’s commitment to delivering a high-quality pitch despite the challenges. “We’re not ignoring the concerns. But for a stadium like FNB to operate sustainably, it has to be used as a multi-purpose venue. Still, we fully accept the responsibility of providing a football-ready surface.”
As the new Premiership season kicks off, all eyes will be on the condition of the pitch when Kaizer Chiefs return to their home turf, hopefully on a surface worthy of the beautiful game.
Related article: Kaizer Chiefs Open 2025/26 PSL Season Aiming for Redemption Against Sundowns
