FIFA has two different ratings, a 1-star for amateur football fields and a 2-star rating for professional football fields. On 18 September 2008, FIFA awarded this system the 2-star rating. The certification is valid for a year, which means that, for an entire year, football of the highest level may be played on this turf. A re-inspection takes place at the end of the year.

The turf installed at the Thulamahashe stadium is the REAL FT 60 Slide product, one of Greenfields’ most important products. Greenfields, a supplier of synthetic turf systems, is renowned for the quality of its products. Since the company has its own well-equipped laboratory, it strives to aim continuously higher. The difference between natural turf and artificial turf is becoming increasingly smaller, as is clear from the latest development called the “V-shape”.

Natural blades of grass were the source of inspiration for this new product. The V-shape of the yarn makes the blade of grass more resilient. And because the yarn springs back more quickly after being pushed downwards by the ball or a player’s foot, the true-to-nature properties are preserved. This system can therefore measure up to natural turf fields. The grass cover in the Thulamahashe stadium also contains the V-shape. And the 1-star rating from FIFA is clear evidence of the quality of this system.