Why Kaizer Chiefs’ Bloemfontein move did not materialise

Kaizer Chiefs marketing and commercial director Jessica Motaung has broken silence on the Bloemfontein move, which did not materialise. 

The DStv Premiership giants had planned to play three of their home games in Bloemfontein this season, but after long-drawn negotiations, things did not work out as expected. 

So far, Chiefs have taken one game to Moses Mabhida. The other three matches will be played in the city of Polokwane. 

In the beginning, the Bloemfontein move was seen as a rare opportunity for the Amakhisi’s faithful in Free State to see their favourite club live in their hood. 

The deal was motivated by the fact that there are no Free State teams in the South African football top flight. 

And the fans from the Free State have been travelling long distances to see the Glamour Boys in action.  

JESSICA MOTAUNG ON BLOEMFONTEIN DEAL 

“The opportunity in Bloemfontein was accessed, and we looked at it, but it was not viable,” Motaung told the media in Polokwane.

This comes after Chiefs reached a three-year deal with Polokwane Municipality to play some of their home games at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. 

NOT FEELING PRESSURED

Despite the failure to take some of their games to Bloemfontein, Motaung revealed that they were inspired after the move to Peter Mokaba, once known as their slaughter-house. 

“I don’t think we actually feel the pressure, instead, we feel inspired by it,” she added. 

“It shouldn’t pressure us, and that is what I think we see.

“It is an opportunity to say, guys, this is your environment, and if it’s your home, you can be comfortable and leverage it.”

Arthur Zwane’s charges will play their home game in Peter Mokaba for the first time in eight years when they take on Royal AM in a DStv Premiership clash on Sunday, 29 January. The kick-off is scheduled for 17:30. 

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