Polokwane’s top stadium shut down for soccer

There is unlikely to be any football played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane for at least the next month after the pitch was badly damaged by crowds attending a music concert at the weekend.

Polokwane’s executive mayor John Mpe said extensive damage was done after the Makhadzi One Women show at the stadium one week ago, where at least 46 000 tickets were sold.

Already two Betway Premiership fixtures this weekend been moved to the next door to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium with Sekhukhune United taking on Marumo Gallants on Saturday and bottom placed Magesi FC hosting high flying Orlando Pirates on Sunday.

Mpe said it would be at least one month before the pitch at the stadium built for the 2010 World Cup would be fixed, which will impact at least another four matches in January.

“Following a detailed assessment, it was determined that the pitch requires significant restoration efforts to return it to a condition suitable for hosting professional football matches. As a result, the stadium will be unable to accommodate any fixtures this weekend and throughout January 2025,” said a statement released by the city’s municipality.

“The municipality has engaged all relevant stakeholders to ensure the seamless relocation of affected fixtures to the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium. At the same time, plans to rehabilitate the New Peter Mokaba Stadium pitch are being expedited to ensure readiness for future Betway Premiership fixtures.”

Mpe said “there was a deviation from the agreed-upon protective measures, as the pitch was not adequately covered during the festival" and that the promoter would be liable for damages.

The stadium's pitch comprises winter rye grass that requires meticulous care and maintenance, making it particularly vulnerable to damage when proper precautions are not observed.