The New Peter Mokaba Stadium is undergoing pitch rehabilitation following a music concert held in December 2024 that damaged the playing surface.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium hosted Makhadzi’s first-ever one-woman show, which attracted thousands on December 21, 2024.
The pitch sustained significant damage due to inadequate protection during the festival.
This forced a number of Betway Premiership matches to be moved to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium whose capacity is 15,000.
Some of the games that were affected included Sekhukhune United versus Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 28 December, along with Magesi FC’s game against Orlando Pirates at the same venue on 29 December 2024.
John Mpe, the executive mayor of Polokwane, confirmed that restoring the pitch would cost approximately R1 million to make it suitable for professional football matches.
The stadium’s field consists of winter rye grass that needs careful upkeep, rendering it especially susceptible to harm if adequate precautions are not taken.
WHEN WILL THE NEW PETER MOKABA STADIUM BE READY TO HOST PROFESSIONAL MATCHES?
FARPost has established that the stadium is expected to be ready to host Betway Premiership matches early in February.
The municipality assured this publication that it is dedicated to upholding top standards for the stadium and ensuring minimal interruptions to upcoming scheduled events.
“…We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards for our facilities and ensuring minimal disruption to scheduled events and we have initiated discussions with all relevant stakeholders affected,” the Municipality told FARPost after the incident on the pitch.
“Plans are underway to refurbish the damaged pitch and restore it to the required standard in preparation for upcoming Betway PSL Premiership fixtures.”
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