Stellenbosch FC explain decision to host Chiefs out of Cape Town
CAF Confederation Cup quarterfinalist Stellenbosch FC have explained the decision to play their home Nedbank Cup encounter against Kaizer Chiefs in Gqeberha.
In the quarterfinal schedule released by the PSL on Friday, Stellies will host Amakhosi Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the Eastern Cape.
Stellenbosch play their home matches at Danie Craven Stadium in the Western Cape. However, as a result of security concerns related to past Chiefs fixtures, the venue, with just a capacity of 16,000 people, cannot stage a game of this magnitude.
In a statement on Friday, the club explained why they could not use Athlone or Cape Town Stadium as an alternative.
“It is with regret that Stellenbosch FC announces the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match against Kaizer Chiefs will be played outside of the Western Cape,” they said.
WHY STELLENBOSCH FC WILL HOST KAIZER CHIEFS AWAY FROM HOME
‘The Club has been denied an opportunity to host the highly anticipated home fixture against Kaizer Chiefs in Stellenbosch or Cape Town due to simultaneous issues of stadium availability over the designated weekend of
7-9 March 2025 and subsequent scheduling conflicts.
“Stellenbosch FC had secured the availability of Athlone Stadium in Cape Town for Sunday, 9 March, for the encounter but were denied a request to host the match on this date due to the Club’s scheduled Betway Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, 11 March 2025 at the same venue.
“According to FIFA rules, there needs to be two full days between matches. SFC’s request to reschedule this league fixture by one day to Wednesday, 12 March 2025, in order to allow the Club to host the Nedbank Cup
quarterfinal at home was also rejected by both the League and Orlando Pirates.
NEDBANK CUP QUATERFINALISTS EXPLAIN WHY ATHLONE STADIUM REMAINS UNAVAILABLE
“Athlone Stadium is not available on the 7th or 8th March for the Nedbank Cup fixture due to a rugby tournament at the venue, whilst the neighbouring DHL Stadium is hosting the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo on the weekend in question,” they revealed.
“The Club’s home stadium, Danie Craven Stadium, remains unavailable due to historical security concerns surrounding the fixture between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs.
“As a result, with no alternative home venue available and due to the prevailing scheduling conflict, the PSL has decided to host the match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 8 March at 18:00.”
RELATED STORY: The peculiar piece: What Chiefs players must master for Nabi’s vision