Work on the new Nelson Mandela Bay 2010 multi-purpose stadium is currently at an advanced stage with the roof being put up, seats almost in place and the grass due to be planted on the playing field next month.

With 32 more roof trusses to be erected, the fourth one is now in place, after the first one went up on November 9.

Jodi Swanepoel, communications officer of the metro 2010 directorate, confirmed that the grass for the pitch would be planted at the stadium in mid-December. The grass type for the playing field will be kikuyu while the outer area will be artificial turf.

The grass was grown off-site by a company called Topturf at St Albans. The company‘s contracts manager, Steven Roos, said: “Of the two hectares of grass which was planted between April and May this year, 1,2 hectares will be used for the pitch. We will be planting it at the stadium in mid- December.”

Roos said Topturf had a seven- month maintenance contract for the turf, but no maintenance company had yet been given the task of looking after the pitch during and after the World Cup as no landscaping contract had been offered.

“As soon as the landscaping contract is out, we will without a doubt apply, and, hopefully, get it,” said Roos.