"This laboratory will be able to test the quality of artificial pitches - such as the 52 which are being laid in each of the South African Football Association's regions, greatly reducing the cost of these pitches," said the statement.

The University of Johannesburg Sports Lab, currently under construction, is a partnership between the university's department of sport and movement studies and Scottish company, Sports Labs.

The Fifa World Cup Organising Committee has set aside R81m for the construction of 27 of the artificial pitches. Director of UJ Sports Lab, Paul Singh said the laboratory would provide an opportunity to train and expose students to the latest developments and technologies in artificial pitch development.

Livewires and hightech behind the sport surfaces
Meantime, back in Scotland, the onsultancy practice of Michael Abbott Associates has been merged with that of Sports Labs.

Eric O'Donnell, MD of Sports Labs Ltd, (right) a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a graduate of Heriot-Watt University says  “Mike Abbott  (left) has long  been regarded by members of the sports construction industry as a leading expert at the forefront of synthetic sports and athletics surfaces construction.

His depth of knowledge in this field is highly regarded by all sports governing bodies concerned with synthetic surfaces. We are delighted that he is joining the team at Sports Labs.”

The services currently offered by Sports Labs include: design and specification of sports surfaces projects, construction project management, health and safety planning supervision services, together with sports surfaces product and field testing, expert advice on surfaces, and consultancy with regards to products and their performance in the field.

Sports Lab with Bristol offices and engineers based in Durham, Birmingham and London has also recently expanded into new premises at Nasmyth Courts, in Houstoun, Livingston, outside Edinburgh.