Let the games begin…
It’s down. All we need is a few white lines and we’re ready for action.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
The blue and the green…
On the South African flag the colour green symbolises our fertile land and blue the beauty of Africa’s sheltering sky, and here these elements come together in a stadium that’s more than just state of the art, but one of a kind.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
The first layer…
Because the Moses Mabhida pitch is designed to accommodate various sports played during different seasons, two types of grasses will be utilized: Warm Season and Cool Season. First to be laid was the Warm Season grass Tifsport, developed specifically for use on sports fields from a species indigenous to Southern Africa. Later, a mix of the Cool Season grasses Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass will be added.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
Only the best will do…
In official parlance, the Moses Mabhida pitch is categorized as a “premier playing field,” comprising “an upper layer of high-draining, non-compacting sand growing medium over a gravel layer with subsoil drains.” It can also be used in wet conditions that would render other grounds unplayable. But of more importance to sports fans is the fact that it meets the requirements of major sporting bodies such as FIFA, IRB, SAFA and SARFU.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
Ready and waiting…
As can be seen, seating at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium is spacious – and there’s no question of missing any of the action on the field.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
Getting it just right…
The grass for the Moses Mabhida Stadium was established first and grown off-site by means of sprigging (a method of plant propagation that uses stem cuttings instead of seeds). Installation began on September 1, 2009, the first day of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
A multipurpose pitch…
The sand layer beneath the grass includes Stalok Fibre, which strengthens the root zone and makes it more flexible, thereby increasing the turf’s load bearing capacity. This means a wider range of sports can be played on the pitch.
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
Man's mind stretched to a new idea never goes back to its original dimensions
- Oliver Wendell Holmes
Photographer: Mluleki Dlamini
Sea view… Durban has always been known for its amazing beaches and now it has an amazing stadium – so why not bring the two together? A walkway will connect the Moses Mabhida Stadium and King’s Park Precinct with the upgraded beachfront Promenade and the beach.
Way up high… Work proceeds on the viewing platform at the apex of the Moses Mabhida’s 106m-high arch – and the destination of the Sky Car that gives Durban a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
Green belt… People’s Park, which incorporates Heroes’ Walk, will link the Moses Mabhida Stadium to the city. The park is also intended to serve as a multifunctional recreational space accommodating a range of activities. It will include two training fields with change-rooms and ablution blocks.
Sun and surf… Seen from a distance, the seating at Moses Mabhida Stadium forms a mosaic that represents a warm sea on a sunny day – the perfect motif for a stadium in a city renowned for its beaches, climate and warm-hearted hospitality.
The green, green grass of glory… The Moses Mabhida pitch has been designed to meet the requirements of major sporting bodies such as FIFA, IRB, SAFA and SARFU. The grass was grown off-site, with cultivation commencing in December 2008. Installation began on schedule on September 1, 2009.
Photographer: Florian Ludewig
Copyright : eThekwini Municipality 2009
Copyright of the above photographs is reserved by the eThekwini Municipality and as such is subjective to national and international copyright law. No photograph or image may be reproduced, published or communicated without the permission of the copyright owner. If permission is not obtained, the copyright rights of the owner may be infringed. All requests for use should be directed to the Strategic Projects Unit of the eThekwini Municipality directly.
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