FIFA ensures future South African football

In 2010, for the first time in history, a FIFA World Cup^TM was played on Desso hybrid natural grass pitches. To make sure the legacy of the stadiums and of the South African football in general continues even after the World Cup, FIFA set up a trust for the South-African citizens. The 2010 FIFA World Cup Legacy Trust supports a wide range of public benefit initiatives in the areas of football development, education, health and humanitarian activities in South Africa.

13 FIFA One Star Certified Desso pitches

One of those initiatives is the installation of 52 artificial grass pitches. In association with African football league SAFA, FIFA donates a FIFA Legacy artificial pitch to each of the 52 South African provinces. In 2010 already 8 pitches were laid. Together with Servest Turf and Platinum Sport Consulting, Desso Sports Systems installed 13 of the 19 Legacy artificial grass pitches in 2011. All 13 Desso pitches are FIFA One Star certificaat until 2015. The last 25 pitches will be assigned in 2012. Besides artificial grass fields also other amenities like changing rooms, sanitary facilities and fencing will be built.

Stadiums with Desso GrassMaster remain cost-effective

In addition, the future of the stadiums with Desso GrassMaster that hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM looks promising with a long legacy ahead. “A month after the World Cup we played the first Rugby tournament on the Mbombela pitch. Even after all seven matches, the pitch was still in perfect condition,” says Neil Fourie of Platinum Sport Consulting. Besides sports games, the Mbombela stadium plays host to events and pop concerts. Also the Peter Mokaba Stadium already hosted a number of high-profile football matches.