The first instalment of the DStv Premiership Cape derby (also known as iKapa derby) between Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs will take place on a newly laid pitch at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
The pitch has garnered significant attention as it incorporates hybrid grass – 50% synthetic and 50% natural grass – and came with a substantial price tag of R16 million all the way from Germany.
Frequent use of the stadium, which is home ground to both City and rugby giants Stormers, saw the gradual deterioration of the 15-year-old pitch, which was escalated when the Western Province Rugby Union relocated from Newlands Stadium in 2021.
In addition, among all the stadiums associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town Stadium stands out as the most versatile and economically productive.
Its multifaceted usage, from hosting the Cape Town Sevens and prestigious events such as the Cape Town Marathon and Cycle Tour, to musical concerts and recent additions like the Monster Jam truck festival, has come at a cost.
The last sporting event held at the arena was the United Rugby Championship final between the Stormers and Munster on 27 May this year, which was packed to its 55-000 capacity.
John Dobson’s team couldn’t retain their title, falling 19-14 to the Irish team.
Shortly after that game, the stadium’s turf underwent a three-month renovation. It marks the first time the pitch has been replaced since the 2010 FIFA World Cup arena opened in 2009.
While the surface was being laid, City had to host their home matches at Athlone Stadium as the 2023/24 soccer season commenced in early August, an adjustment that coach Eric Tinkler says contributed to their slow start.
“This (Cape Town Stadium) has been important for us, it’s been our home. This is where we collect the majority of our points,” Tinkler told News24.
“People need to realise that we’ve played five away matches because we didn’t have a stadium, and now is the time we can start collecting points.”
City, who are 13th on the league standings after six matches that included two wins, one draw and four defeats, lost two of their three matches played at their temporary home ground in Athlone.
However, they are eager to resume their strong form from last season, when they secured a fourth-place finish, as they return to Cape Town Stadium to face their neighbours.
Tinkler said he does not feel any pressure despite five winless games on the trot in the Dstv Premiership.
“There is going to be rough patches and good patches,” he continued.
“Everybody is raising the issues, but, for me, the issues right now are no different to the issues of last season and the season before. I stay away from the noise. I don’t become a bad coach overnight.”
