As football continues to evolve, the shift from natural grass to artificial turf has sparked intense debate across the country, as the new technology prioritises convenience over quality in training.

Former Harambee Stars international, Abdulaziz Beneah, has emerged as a vocal critic of the move.

While the switch to synthetic pitches may seem like a solution to maintenance challenges, Beneah warns that the consequences for both grassroots football and player health are too significant to ignore.

The director of Dytikos Sports Consultants argues that prioritizing artificial turf over natural fields severely undermines the development of grassroots football.

“In many local communities, young players often rely on open natural fields to hone their skills. These fields are free, accessible, and an essential platform for nurturing raw talent,” Beneah discloses to People Sport.

He fears that replacing these fields with artificial turf will deny underprivileged youth, who can’t afford the fees often associated with synthetic pitches, the opportunity to develop their football skills.

Commercialization of fields

In many parts of the country, artificial turf is synonymous with commercialization.

Community football fields, once free and welcoming, are increasingly being turned into privately managed spaces that charge for access.

According to Beneah, this shift limits access to the sport and risks shutting out the next generation of football stars who lack the means to pay.

“The beauty of football is that it’s a universal sport. You don’t need much to start playing—just a ball and some space. But with these artificial pitches, the game becomes less inclusive, and those without financial resources are left behind,” Beneah adds.

Beyond accessibility, the veteran player raises significant concerns about the health risks associated with playing on artificial turf.
“We’re seeing more players sustain injuries on these synthetic surfaces.”

Research supports Beneah’s concerns, with studies showing that the hard surface of artificial turf can increase the risk of injuries, particularly to the knees and ankles.

In contrast to natural grass, which offers more cushioning and flexibility, artificial turf is unforgiving. The wear and tear on players’ bodies is higher, and the likelihood of long-term injuries, including ligament damage, is a real threat.

For players who rely on their physical fitness for their careers, such risks can be career-ending.

Additionally, the rubber granules used in artificial turf have been linked to skin irritation and respiratory complications.

The synthetic materials in the turf, especially the rubber crumbs, can cause skin rashes and irritation, particularly after players slide or fall on the surface.

Worse still, constant exposure to these rubber particles may have long-term effects on players’ respiratory systems.

Further, players often inhale dust and particles kicked up from the turf, raising concerns about potential respiratory issues. While the long-term health effects are still being studied, initial evidence suggests that synthetic fields may not be as safe as originally thought.

Balanced approach

While acknowledging the need for modern infrastructure in football, the Makadara Junior League Soccer Academy and Hakati FC head coach calls for a balanced approach that does not sacrifice player safety and grassroots development for convenience.

“We need to find ways to maintain and improve our natural pitches rather than rushing to install artificial ones everywhere,” Beanah adds.

According to Beneah, proper investment in the maintenance of natural grass fields, which with the right care can offer a safe and accessible environment for all players, is essential.

“Natural grass has been the foundation of football for generations, and we need to preserve it for the sake of the game’s future,” he concludes.

As the debate over artificial turf continues, Beneah argues that the true cost of these synthetic pitches goes beyond their installation.