The Ball is Rolling

“There have been a few extensions of time at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium due to the weather, and these were adjusted in terms of the contract. We are very positive that we will reach that date,” says Contracts Director, Mark Bicknell. The stadium is set to meet FIFA completion deadline for the end of March 2009, which is ample time after the initial deadline of December 2008, was extended by three months earlier this year. Work on the stadium is at an advanced stage and seats have already been installed. The North wing’s seats are already in place and they took only a week to put in position.

United Nations

The site roster at the NMB Stadium reads like the United Nations. There are workers on site from all over the world, China, Bangladesh and Germany to name a few. Bangladesh Foreman, Ree Ton, who has been working on the stadium since June 2007, said he was overwhelmed by the hospitality foreigners had been receiving in The Bay.

He singled out the time away from his family as the only drawback and said, “This is a very nice stadium and we are doing a great job. The people are all very welcoming. Maybe the stadium can go for 100 years without any problems.”

Dispelling Fears

The Principal Agent Representative on site, Dr Coert du Toit, dismissed speculation that the pitch at the stadium is not suitable for rugby. “The pitch is designed for a standard soccer pitch and a standard rugby pitch. The playing surface for rugby complies with the standards set out by the International Rugby Board,” he said.

Workers are putting the finishing touches to the interior of the different levels and installing concrete slabs on the stadium’s sixth and highest level. Massive cranes, one inside the stadium, will assist with the installation of the roof. The stadium is on track and looking fantastic! It is a true testament to collaborated efforts and high spirits for what promises to be a remarkable 2010 tournament.