Rhino-Turf Teams Up with the English Premier League, Grootbos Foundation & British Council to Make a Difference in South Africa
Gansbaai, South Africa: A FIFA Quality Standard Soccer System Built to Inspire – and Built with the Environment in Mind
Rhino-Turf is proud to announce the successful completion of a landmark community sports project in Gansbaai, South Africa, in partnership with the English Premier League, the Grootbos Foundation, the British Council, and the Overstrand Municipality.
As part of a broader youth and community development initiative, the project focused on the resurfacing of South Africa’s first-ever FIFA-certified artificial football field, originally built in 2008. The refurbishment involved the installation of Rhino-Turf VT50 GRE BIO — an advanced turf system engineered for performance and sustainability.
South Africa’s Most Eco-Friendly Artificial Football Field
This installation marks a new milestone — not just for Rhino-Turf, but for the country. The resurfaced pitch is now officially the first 100% recyclable artificial soccer field in South Africa, thanks to our GRE backing system. Combined with the use of bio-based yarn content, the field is a shining example of how worldclass sports infrastructure can support both community and climate goals.
“Having been involved in the original field build back in 2008, Rhino-Turf was extremely proud to renew our partnership with the English Premier League and undertake this resurfacing project, back in 2008, the big story was creating South Africa’s first FIFA-certified field. Today, the story is even bigger — this is the first field in South Africa that’s 100% recyclable and bio-based. It’s the most ecofriendly artificial soccer field in the country.”
— William Allan, International Sales Director, Rhino-Turf
Sport as a Catalyst for Community Impact
But this pitch is more than just a football field — it’s an investment in the future.
“This installation is more than just a sporting facility; it is a long-term investment in youth development, education, and social upliftment.”
— Michael Lutzeyer, Director, Grootbos Foundation
The project is already serving as a vital space for youth mentorship, sports programs, and local
community events, showing how infrastructure can be a springboard for social change.
“This is what collaboration and innovation in sport should look like — building with purpose, sustainability, and the people at heart.”
— Ricardo Mackenzie, Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport (South Africa)
A Legacy Built to Last
Rhino-Turf is honoured to have played a key role in this meaningful legacy project —bringing international-standard, sustainable sports infrastructure to communities in Southern Africa. As we continue to grow our impact across the region, we look forward to sharing more inspiring projects that use sport to uplift, empower, and lead.
