iKapa derby about belonging: City, Spurs clash on new R16m Cape Town Stadium surface

The first instalment of the DStv Premiership Cape derby (also known as iKapa derby) between Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs will take place on a newly laid pitch at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

The pitch has garnered significant attention as it incorporates hybrid grass - 50% synthetic and 50% natural grass - and came with a substantial price tag of R16 million all the way from Germany.

Frequent use of the stadium, which is home ground to both City and rugby giants Stormers, saw the gradual deterioration of the 15-year-old pitch, which was escalated when the Western Province Rugby Union relocated from Newlands Stadium in 2021.

In addition, among all the stadiums associated with the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Cape Town Stadium stands out as the most versatile and economically productive.

Its multifaceted usage, from hosting the Cape Town Sevens and prestigious events such as the Cape Town Marathon and Cycle Tour, to musical concerts and recent additions like the Monster Jam truck festival, has come at a cost.

The last sporting event held at the arena was the United Rugby Championship final between the Stormers and Munster on 27 May this year, which was packed to its 55-000 capacity. 

John Dobson's team couldn't retain their title, falling 19-14 to the Irish team.

Shortly after that game, the stadium's turf underwent a three-month renovation. It marks the first time the pitch has been replaced since the 2010 FIFA World Cup arena opened in 2009.

While the surface was being laid, City had to host their home matches at Athlone Stadium as the 2023/24 soccer season commenced in early August, an adjustment that coach Eric Tinkler says contributed to their slow start.

"This (Cape Town Stadium) has been important for us, it’s been our