The Choa Chu Kang Stadium, the official venue of the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) has been shifted to a temporary venue just two weeks into the 2024 season.
The Choa Chu Kang Stadium pitch has been closed for maintenance since 23 March after complaints of poor pitch conditions.
The Straits Times had reported on 19 March how players, coaches and fans were unhappy with the poor pitch conditions at the venue.
The story was also carried on TMSG thereafter.
Uneven and sandy surfaces, and with the conditions on the pitch becoming worse which showed parts of the pitch being waterlogged.
Responding to The Straits Times queries, a spokesperson from Sport Singapore said: “The pitch at ActiveSG Choa Chu Kang Stadium will be undergoing enhanced maintenance, in view of recent weather and usage patterns.
“These works, which are in addition to the annual and weekly maintenance routines, have commenced and include restoration works, application of fertilisers, increased mowing, as well as topdressing and levelling of the pitch.
“The pitch was thereafter closed from March 23 for three to four weeks to facilitate recovery.
“SportSG will continue to monitor the pitch condition vis-a-vis usage and weather patterns, and adjust our maintenance efforts where required.”
Two WPL matches on 23 and 24 March were moved to the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Lion City Sailors goalkeeper Beatrice Tan was happy that the clash between the Sailors and Albirex Niigata held on 24 March was held at Jalan Besar Stadium.
“Knowing that we were going to play an important match at Jalan Besar gave us a sense of relief because the condition of Choa Chu Kang field was bad,” she told The Straits Times.
“(It gives us) one less thing to worry about and I’m hoping all the other teams will have their matches shifted too as it’ll be only fair for them.”
The closure of the Choa Chu Kang Stadium will also impact Singapore Youth League games and the National School Games’ athletics events, and Albirex Niigata’s training sessions for their women’s and youth teams.
MAIN PHOTO: TIKTOK
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