Radebe cautious about artificial turf

Former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe was at the official launch of the FNB Wadley Stadium - the first stadium in South Africa with a full sized artificial turf - in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

The affable Radebe was hounded by fans, security personnel and even VIPs who attented the inauguration of the R3 million-plus field.

"It's a good initiative for the people of this area," said Radebe about the turf which is in the centre of Edendale, a township in the Kwa-Zulu Natal capital.

"It's good because it does not require as much maintenance as a normal grass field and also because it can be used 24 hours a day, everyday. Kids can learn to pass a ball without the hinderance of playing on a bumpy field and the older guys will have no excuse when they make mistakes," he joked.

"This turf is very flat and will allow for a good passing game."

Radebe, who played for and captained Leeds United in the 1998/99 season in England, also had concerns about the artificial turf.

"I used to train on it (artificial turf) in England during my playing days and some of the guys used to complain about their ankles or knees hurting. It does and will affect the joints if a player or a team uses it everyday," he said.

"I don't see a professional team using it everyday as a training ground or for matches on a weekly basis. It definitely is good for tournaments and games now and again, but not on a regular basis."

Another former professional player from yesteryear, Calvin Petersen, also went to watch the game and was impressed with what he saw.

"I think it's a good idea considering that it's low maintenance. The field is also flat and it allows players to play a bit better I'd say.

There is no hassle about bumps or holes on the field as it is flat and even," the former Moroka Swallows striker said.

"This game was a good example of how it (the turf) helps the match go faster. The passes were quicker, the movement off the ball excellent and the game was played at a high tempo throughout, so it's really good for the game."

The stadium facilities were not on par with the expensive turf. The grand stand does not have a roof and ablution facilities were few, media facilities were also non-existent but with FNB -- a national supporter of the 2010 Fifa World Cup on board --- the promise of improving football on and off the field is certainly there.