"However, the PSL once again ruled that the game could not be played there," Chiefs said in a statement.
Kaizer Chiefs home ground, the FNB Stadium, will host Springboks clash against the All Blacks. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Kaizer Chiefs have been forced to make another change to the venue for their upcoming Betway Premiership clash against Siwelele FC.
The Soweto giants will now host the match at Dobsonville Stadium on September 6, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30.
The fixture was initially set to take place at FNB Stadium, but the venue is unavailable due to the third clash between the Springboks and All Blacks on September 5. Chiefs subsequently moved the match to Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, only for that venue to also become unavailable.
“The match (against Siwelele) has now been confirmed to take place on Sunday, 6 September at 17:30 at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto,” Chiefs confirmed in a statement.
“Given that our traditional home ground, FNB Stadium is unavailable as it will host the highly anticipated rugby clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
“A fixture that requires exclusive use of the venue and its facilities, the match was rescheduled for Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. However, that venue also became unavailable.”
Chiefs also revealed that they had considered hosting the fixture at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. However, the PSL ruled out both options.
“We enquired about the possibility of hosting the game at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 2 September, aligning with the alternative date provided for CAF preliminary fixtures given that the stadium would be occupied on the weekend of September 5,” the statement explained.
“After receiving the letter from the stadium accepting to host the match, we contacted the PSL but were informed that the pitch was unsuitable to host a game on the proposed dates following their inspections.
“We then sought to play the game at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. However, the PSL once again ruled that the game could not be played there.”
The venue saga comes at a crucial time for Chiefs, who are looking to get their season back on track after being held to consecutive draws by Mamelodi Sundowns and Richards Bay. Chiefs have also apologised to supporters of both clubs who had already made arrangements to travel to Rustenburg.
“Throughout this process, Kaizer Chiefs has worked diligently, engaging our home stadiums directly – conducting site inspections, and submitting formal applications to secure a venue and to ensure the match proceeds as scheduled,” the club concluded.
“We therefore wish to sincerely apologise to the supporters of both teams who had already made arrangements to travel to Rustenburg.”
