Peter Mokaba Stadium

Peter Mokaba Stadium
Map
Full namePeter Mokaba Stadium
LocationMagazyn St., Polokwane, South Africa
Coordinates23°55′29″S 29°28′08″E / 23.924689°S 29.468765°E / -23.924689; 29.468765
OwnerCity of Polokwane
Capacity45,500
SurfaceRye Grass with Desso GrassMaster
Construction
Broke ground2006
Built2007–2009
Opened2010
Construction costRand1.245 billion
(US$150 million)
ArchitectAFL Architects[1]
Tenants
Limpopo Blue Bulls
Polokwane City FC
Baroka FC

The Peter Mokaba Stadium is a football and rugby union stadium in Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg), South Africa, that was used for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It has a capacity to host 45,500 spectators but for the purposes of the 2010 FIFA World Cup the seating capacity was reduced to 41,733.[2] It is named after Peter Mokaba, a former leader of the ANC Youth League. It is located just east of the older Peter Mokaba Stadium and 3 kilometers from the CBD.

The stadium is one of five new stadiums that were built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Initial plans to upgrade the existing Old Peter Mokaba Stadium were abandoned in favour of the R1,245,000,000 (ZAR) new Peter Mokaba stadium.

The stadium has been used intensely for training and matches. Therefore, the natural grass has been reinforced with artificial fibers, which anchors the field into a stable and a level grass surface of Desso GrassMaster.

The stadium has a range of features that contribute to their accessibility, like public transport, parking, entrances and exits, wheelchair section, signage and assistance and also their facilities, but the actual level of accessibility might vary depending on the event, the condition of the facilities and availability of transport.

2010 FIFA World Cup

The stadium hosted four Group matches during the tournament of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Date Time (SAST) Team #1 Result Team #2 Round Attendance
13 June 2010 13:30  Algeria 0–1  Slovenia Group C 30,325[3]
17 June 2010 20:30  France 0–2  Mexico Group A 35,370
22 June 2010 20:30  Greece 0–2  Argentina Group B 38,891
24 June 2010 16:00  Paraguay 0–0  New Zealand Group F 34,850

Soccer

The first event at the stadium was the Peter Mokaba Cup, held on 23 January 2010. It was a four-team, friendly tournament, which served as the stadium's opening event. In the first semi-final, SuperSport United beat Danish side Brøndby 2–1. In the second semi-final, Kaizer Chiefs advanced after beating Wits 4–3 on penalties, after a goalless draw. Kaizer Chiefs defeated Supersport United 4–2 in the final.[4]

The first international game played at the stadium was the international friendly between South Africa and Guatemala on 31 May 2010, which South Africa won 5–0.[5]

The stadium hosted its first competitive football match on 20 November 2010.[6] Kaizer Chiefs opted to host their 2010–11 Telkom Knockout semi-final against Santos at the stadium. The match ended 1–0 to Kaizer Chiefs.[citation needed]

Rugby

The stadium hosted its first rugby union match on 30 January 2010. The match was a Super 14 warm up match, played for the Xerox Cup. It was contested by the Bulls and Lions.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Peter Mokaba Stadium".
  2. ^ www.fifa.com
  3. ^ Dawkes, Phil (13 June 2010). "Algeria 0–1 Slovenia". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 13 June 2010.
  4. ^ "Chiefs win Peter Mokaba Cup". News24. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 18 December 2010.
  5. ^ "World Cup 2010: Aaron Mokoena poised to win 100th cap". BBC Sport. 31 May 2010. Retrieved 31 May 2010.
  6. ^ "Chiefs to play in Polokwane". News24. 10 November 2010. Retrieved 18 December 2010.
  7. ^ "Bulls v Lions to open stadium". News24. 7 January 2010. Retrieved 18 December 2010.
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