Confederations Cup: Ellis Park Pitch Analysis

Over the past few days the pitch conditions at the venue for the opening and closing games of the FIFA Confederations Cup have come under scrutiny. Goal.com joins the debate with our team on the ground in Johannesburg…

Jun 14, 2009 6:59:06 PM

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Johannesburg - Ellis/Coca-Cola Park 2010 stadium (Joburg.org.za)

In the last few days, concerns were raised over the state of the pitch at Ellis Park, and whether or not it was good enough to host the opening game and the final of the Confederations Cup.

In May, the local organising committee assured the media that the playing surfaces for the four venues to be used in the Confederations Cup would be in top condition and comply with FIFA’s stringent standards for pitches used at official events.

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Despite these claims, some sources were not too sure about the state of the pitch, and a question about the Ellis Park turf was even levelled at South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena during yesterday’s press conference. The Portsmouth player admitted to hearing the rumours, but he also added that he had not experienced any abnormalities on the pitch.

Goal.com was close to the pitch during a few training sessions in the last few days, and from both goal ends the turf seemed exemplary, with only a few noticeable changes in colour towards the middle of the pitch. From up in the stands, however, a few more blemishes throughout parts of the surface were noticeable.

During half time in today’s opening encounter between South Africa and Iraq, a few men came onto the field to inspect the pitch and, judging from their reaction, they were happy with how the turf was holding up.

From up in the press area, it seemed that the pitch was patchy in parts, but considering the fact that the field is often used for the rough and tumble sport of rugby, it certainly is able to take a beating. This does not need to be its main function, however, as the pitch needs to be level and without too many bumpy parts that could cause injury, slow down the play or interfere with the movement of the ball.

The ground is drier and harder than most in Europe, with the climate during this time of year in South Africa making it difficult to keep pitches from becoming somewhat dry and dull.

But perhaps more needs to be done to improve the pitch at Ellis Park before next year's World Cup.

Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com
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