By: Adekunle-Oni Daniel 

From mud, puddles, and postponed matches to a green, smooth pitch, the transformation of the old Indy Maracana into the new Indy San Siro is an undeniable cause for celebration at Great Independence Hall of Residence.

For years, student residents within the hall, often referred to as Katangites, had struggled through rainy seasons, tiptoeing across waterlogged ground, and during harmattan, swallowing dust as they played. The AstroTurf renovation is not  only a relief from those trials, but also a symbol of develoment that Katangites had longed for. But the excitement that followed the ribbon‑cutting now faces its first test.

The AstroTurf installation was engineered to solve the problems that plagued Indy Maracana, including drainage failure, muddy surfaces, and match cancellations. Beneath the green fibres lies a layered system, a base that allows water to run off, shock‑absorbing infill to cushion players, and synthetic fibres built to withstand impact and wear. When properly laid out, such fields perform well even under heavy use.

But the same system that gives resilience is also delicate in its own ways. The very layers that absorb shock and manage moisture are vulnerable to damage from heavy, uneven loads. Speakers, chairs, high‑heeled shoes, or pets might seem harmless for a night, but even a short event with such a load can depress the infill, damage the fibres, or block drainage.That risks undoing everything the renovation set out to achieve.

Barely days after the opening of the Indy San Siro, a social event saw non‑sporting traffic across the turf. Heavy objects, loudspeakers, and a crowd took their toll. Already there are visible strains fibres bent out of alignment, drainage starting to show signs of stress. The spectacle of celebration threatened to become a catalyst for what seemed to be its early diminish.

This episode is not unique to Independence Hall.Globally, in many AstroTurf installations , early misuse has led to premature damage and shortened lifespan. What separates lasting, high‑performance fields from those that decay quickly is how they are managed post‑construction.

From the outset, we must be clear about what is and is not acceptable on the field. This is not just for the sake of rules, but for protection of an investment that belongs to all Katangites.

High heels, furniture, or any substance must be banned from the surface of the field. Non-sporting events if allowed at all must only occur with proper protective measures, such as rigid flooring or mats. Footwear must also be appropriate, only turf-friendly shoes should be permitted.

These rules must be more than drafted, they must be known and be enforced without exception. When users know the boundaries and the reasons behind them, compliance becomes a shared value, not an imposed burden.

Proper care of the turf is not complex, but it must be consistent. As manufacturers advise, routine grooming with brushes or drag brushes helps maintain the turf’s appearance and performance. Regular checks on infill levels, debris removal, and inspection of seams are not optionalthey’re essential.

Deeper cleaning and de-compaction should occur at least once or twice a year, depending on the level of use. Outsourcing this to professionals like Astro Care or The Landscape Centre ensures the field stays within warranty and in optimal condition. Let’s us not wait for damage to force our hand. Preventive maintenance is always cheaper than repair.

Controlled access and scheduling are also important. Even the best fields need rest. Unchecked use, especially in certain zones like goal areas and sidelines, will wear the turf prematurely. We must limit hours of use, enforce rest periods, and rotate activities to distribute wear evenly.

For larger events, proper planning is key. Crowd size should be managed, and protective measures like turf covers must be required. It is not about restricting use, it’s about preserving usability.

Additionally, after heavy rainfall or large events, the drainage system must inspect edges, contours, and channels. Blocked drainage leads to water accumulation, which in turn can rot fibres, shift infill, and separate seams.

Drainage issues don’t always make headlines until the turf starts failing. Vigilance here is silent protection, and prevention is far less expensive than repairs.

It is important to recognize that this pitch belongs to all Katangites. But that also means every Katangite has a role in its upkeep. We must foster a culture where care is communal because to replace a damaged AstroTurf pitch is costly.

This field is not just synthetic grass. It is the home of Katanga football. It is where tournaments are won, friendships are formed, memories are made. Letting it fall into disrepair would not only be a financial loss, it would be a symbolic one.

The unveiling of Indy San Siro was a proud moment. But pride must be sustained by purpose. A pitch is only as lasting as the care it receives. The ball is in every Katangite’s court to preserve the newly renovated field.