Burundi’s Intwari Stadium redevelopment marks a defining moment. The country is returning to the international football stage. At the heart of this transformation lies a proudly South African innovation: Seaqual’s QualiDrain system.
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- Intwari Stadium (Supplied)
The 30,000-seater stadium was completed in April 2025. Furthermore, it has officially achieved FIFA Quality Pro Certification. This certification means the stadium meets global standards for professional football surfaces.
Importantly, Seaqual’s 250mm QualiDrain system contributed to this milestone. Artificial Grass Africa installed the modular channel drainage system. Additionally, it serves as the primary perimeter drainage solution.
Installing innovative drainage technology
QualiDrain showed exceptional performance during installation. Moreover, it demonstrated remarkable adaptability. For example, the system can form precise semi-circular curves around goalposts.
Since installation, the system has delivered consistent results. Specifically, it effectively manages heavy rainfall in the region. Therefore, the stadium maintains optimal playing conditions.
The stadium features a comprehensive drainage network. First, it combines a waterproofing membrane with Flexi-Drains beneath the turf. Then, water flows into QualiDrain channels. Finally, water moves to two 14,000-litre storage silos for efficient collection.
Additionally, the design includes both Lite and heavy-duty Nylon grates. These run along the same channels. Consequently, they accommodate both pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the stadium.
Achieving world-class performance standards
Pierre De Groote, Civil Engineer and Turf Contractor at Artificial Grass Africa, praised the system’s outstanding functionality, describing Intwari Stadium as “easily Africa’s best football turf pitch.”
Setting sustainable infrastructure benchmarks
As a fully recyclable, PVC-free solution, QualiDrain continues to set benchmarks in sustainable drainage design. Its success at Intwari Stadium highlights Seaqual’s role in advancing high-performance drainage infrastructure across Africa.
