The construction of the Nelson Mandela Bay Multipurpose Stadium reached a significant milestone this week as the last of the 36 roof truss girders was fitted into place in a commemorative event broadcast live on SABC 2's Morning Live.

Members of the Nelson Mandela Bay city council took on local team Bay United on Wednesday in an exhibition kick-about match to commemorate the placement of the last girder - laying claim to being the first players to play on a 2010 FIFA World Cup stadium pitch.

The R1.3 billion stadium situated along the North End lake of Port Elizabeth is now just a few weeks away from completion, with the stadium's 46 000 seats installed and the pitch already laid.  The official handover date for the stadium is scheduled for the end of April.