Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has revealed that they took the unusual step of measuring the pitch at Dobsonville Stadium ahead of their crucial CAF Confederation Cup second-leg of the second preliminary round tie against AS Simba.
Chiefs have moved the return leg against the DR Congo side to Dobsonville from their usual home, the FNB Stadium, for the Sunday fixture. Kick off is 3PM.
The venue change comes after Chiefs secured a vital 0-0 draw in the first leg played in Lubumbashi. That away result leaves the tie finely balanced, with a win for the Amakhosi guaranteeing their progression to the group stages. However, the away goals rule remains in effect in CAF competitions, meaning any score draw would see AS Simba advance.
The Soweto giants will do their business on unfamiliar ground, and Kaze has revealed the lengths they have gone to in preparation for the clash. While not explicitly stating the difference, Kaze confirmed which stadium had a bigger pitch size.
WHICH PITCH IS BIGGER? DOBSONVILLE OR FNB STADIUM?
“We have actually done some measurements about the pitch and, surprisingly, Dobsonville is even bigger than the pitch at FNB,” Kaze said. “There is no excuse; the pitch is beautiful.”
The Burundian mentor believes that fans being closer to the field will create a different experience for the players and motivate them to secure a win. He also urged the Amakhosi supporters to fill the stadium in large numbers.
“When the crowd is closer to the field, it gives more energy to the players. You feel the 12th man alive, and that’s what we want for Sunday.”
All eyes will now be on the Dobsonville Stadium this Sunday as the Glamour Boys aim to leverage home advantage to secure a spot in the CAF Confed group stages.
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