24 PROJECT
“ FIFA lays out comprehensive plumbing, water and drainage requirements and guidelines that stadiums need to follow in order to be compliant and allowed to host international football matches”
Beneath the turf lies a layered system consisting of a waterproofing sheet and Flexi-Drains, designed to provide both effective drainage and shock absorption. These components feed into Seaqual’ s QualiDrain perimeter channels.
• Regarding drainage outlet, it is crucial to identify the location of the main drainage outlet for the stadium. This drainage outlet usually needs to be agreed upon with the local authority, which will confirm the position of the outlet drain. In some cases, as part of the planning conditions, an agreed water discharge rate is set, which must be monitored and adhered to throughout the stadium’ s lifetime.( InsideFIFA. com). management solution. The collected water is directed into two 14 000l central silos.
The project also showcased the versatility of the QualiDrain system by combining Lite and heavy-duty Nylon grates within the same drainage run – offering enhanced functionality for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic zones around the stadium perimeter.
A South African company’ s solution to these guidelines To meet these specific and thorough guidelines for the drainage systems required for the stadium, a South African manufacturing company proposed their solution: Qualidrain. The QualiDrain 250mm channel drainage system – engineered by Seaqual, a South African manufacturer of specialist water management solutions – was specified and installed as the primary perimeter drainage solution for Intwari Stadium.
During the stadium’ s renovation, QualiDrain demonstrated a unique capability: its ability to flex into a precise semi-circular formation around the goalpost ends of the pitch. This is a rare feature for a linear channel system of this size and material class. Seaqual’ s technical team confirmed this, stating“ this feature is uncommon in similar systems and highlights the flexibility of our design ".
The stadium ' s drainage system begins with a waterproofing membrane, paired with Flexi-Drains beneath the turf to provide both drainage and shock absorption. These lead into the QualiDrain perimeter channels, forming a seamless and high-capacity water
QualiDrain grates being clicked firmly into place along the 250mm modular channels.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline November 2025 Volume 31 I Number 09