Ready for the kick-off

The Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane will host four first-round matches in the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup (including France vs. Mexico, who are in the same group as South Africa). Once the competition is over, the stadium will be used by local soccer teams, as well as for showcasing other sports such as rugby.

Built next to the existing stadium at a cost of around R1,1 billion, this new arena has four two-tier stands, bringing the seating capacity to 46 000.

Almost 4 000m² of Transit 8x8 PVC studded tiles were used for this project -  1 332m² in Mushroom colour was used for the change rooms and referee rooms and 2 427m² in Olive Green for the public areas and corridors. All the studded tiles were installed by Carpet & Décor using a 2-part polyurethane adhesive.

The tiles are 300mm x 300mm, with a base thickness of 0,80mm, and a total thickness of 3mm. They feature eight rows of 8 round studs of 25mm.

The pastille shape of the studs allows for easy cleaning, and provides excellent non-slip characteristics, making them particularly suitable for wet areas, such as change rooms and ablution blocks.

Because they are PVC-based, Transit tiles do not absorb mineral oil-based liquids and are impervious to most solvents and chemicals. They are also warm underfoot, adding to their suitability for sports and gym change rooms.

Ibrahim Bham of Carpet & Décor in Polokwane, who installed flooring at the stadium, said “It was a truly amazing experience being involved with the professional teams from the building contractors, WBHO Pauls Joint Venture, on a project like this.”

“We have also worked extensively with Schalk van der Merwe of Prism Architects and his efficient team on this and numerous other projects, and it is always a pleasure doing so.”