The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium management says they are planning to change the pitch after tonight's game between Santos and Kaizer Chiefs in order to improve its standard. The stadium hosted the Bafana Bafana-Japan game last weekend and Stadium CEO, Stephan Pretorius, says it will cost the municipality about R20 million to maintain the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Pretorius says teams that have used this stadium are satisfied with the standard of the pitch, but they still want to improve it. Pretorius also says they have taken over the maintenance and have their own equipment while their own staff is now working on the pitch on the daily basis. Pretorius says they have been granted the option to change it from Kukuyu to Ryer pitch.

Matches moved

The Santos home game was moved to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after the Athlone and Greenpoint stadiums were unable to host the match. Team manager Yusuf Gester says they are satisfied with the stadium's condition. The stadium for 2010 will host its first ever PSL game tonight, as its reputation as a quality venue grows. Cape Town side Santos says the stadium will be its second home.

The municipality will have to bring in big games and other events to keep the stadium going. It has already hosted big international clashes such as the rugby match between the Southern Kings and the British Lions as well as last weekend's soccer friendly between Bafana and Japan. Thousands of soccer fans are expected at the newly built stadium to witness these two sides take on one another in an encounter that is expected to be a Baptism of Fire.

Meanwhile, Cape Town will be pulling out all stops during the FIFA World Cup Final Draw, in an effort to demonstrate its readiness to welcome thousands of soccer fans and dignitaries. The draw, which determines the match schedule of the 32 participating teams, will be held at Cape Town International Convention Centre on December 4. About 3 000 dignitaries and media representatives are expected. The event is expected to attract a television audience of about 150 million during its live broadcast. Cape Town mayor Dan Plato says this is a milestone event for South Africa.