International friendly:South Africa vs Ghana Game moved to FNB Stadium

The Human Rights Day international friendly match between Olympics-bound Banyana Banyana and Ghana, initially scheduled for Orlando Stadium on Wednesday (21 March 2012), has been moved to the FNB Stadium.


The reason for the change of venue is because the Orlando Stadium pitch is undergoing urgent pitch maintenance.


According to Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), they need to re-lay the pitch in preparation for the impending winter season that needs a particular new grass. The SMSA said due to positive weather forecasts, it was imperative to undertake the maintenance now.


The routine move has primarily to do with the over-seeding of cold seasons’ grass that requires specific weather conditions to allow for the Rye grass to germinate. 


“The stadium management contacted us about their intention to take advantage of the prevailing good weather conditions to make a facelift on the Orlando Stadium pitch and we were happy to move the match to FNB Stadium,” said South African Football Association (SAFA) CEO, Dr Robin Petersen.


SMSA executive chairman Jacques Grobbelaar said the Orlando Pirates Nedbank Cup fixture against Free State Stars scheduled for Saturday, 24 March 2012 at Orlando Stadium will not be affected.


Sport and Recreation Director General, Alec Moemi said the South African public should come in their numbers to support Banyana Banyana.


"We call upon all football lovers to come in their numbers to support our team, as they prepare for the London Olympic Games and also celebrate and commemorate Human Rights Day," said Mr Moemi.