The turf at Mbombela Stadium endures more wear and tear than most others, as the field is host to both soccer and rugby matches, virtually all year round.
Some of the main features of the stadium are the 18 majestic orange giraffe columns that support the roof structure and the black and white zebra skin patterned seating, and of course, the turf, which can only be described as an aesthetic piece of art. “Whatever it takes, we are able to rise above the challenge,” is the motto behind the dedicated team at Talking Turf, who practise what they preach. •It’s headed by Sue de Zwart, a well-known, knowledgeable respected consultant in the upper echelons of the turf industry, as well as in the South African golf society.
ALSO READ: Phakisa Pumas in the hunt for two trophies once season kicks-off
According to De Zwart, there are many factors, such as sufficient sun (but with sunscreen), proper drainage, sufficient moisture, nutrition and pest control, to produce and maintain that ultimate playing surface. “There is no greater thrill for us “turfheads” than the reward for doing all the above. Planning is a vital part of producing the end product,” she said.
She formed her consultancy, Talking Turf, in January 2006 after working as the golf course superintendent at the prestigious Leopard Creek Country Club.
Her initial clients included Oubaai Golf Resort and the Fancourt Golf Courses, where she worked with Piet Pieters and Ingrid Diesel. She is passionate about the education and staff empowerment opportunities which Talking Turf consultancy provides. As a result, the Talking Turf Superintendents’ Conference was conceptualised in 2002 to provide a high standard of education for superintendents from across Southern Africa. The conference features superb educational seminars from a range of local and international guest speakers. Other than Mbombela Stadium, De Zwart and her team have also been maintaining KaBokweni and KaNyamazane stadiums since 2014.
“It has been an honour to maintain these fields. It has also given Talking Turf an opportunity to continuously produce the ultimate playing surface, which brings out my team’s leading passion, to serve and grow disadvantaged communities all around our province (Mpumalanga) and beyond, by imparting my knowledge and skills in turf management thus empowering our team to be self-sufficient,” she said.
Most of the team members started as juniors at Leopard Creek. “It is a privilege to see them grow and become skilled employees,” she said. All three pitches have now been approved to host PSL-sanctioned matches. Mbombela Stadium also hosts the SuperSport Challenge, Currie Cup and the occasional Test match and will next year host the British and Irish Lions against South Africa “A”.
