Stellenbosch FC have detailed the reasons behind their shocking move of taking the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal fixture against Kaizer Chiefs to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
The PSL confirmed on Friday morning that Stellenbosch would host Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for their last eight encounter in the Nedbank Cup.
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This has been met with shock from the football fraternity with the Western Cape having three stadiums that host top-flight football.
The Winelands-based outfit have now come out to explain that this is a move forced by circumstances beyond their control.
"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," reads a club statement, in part.
Club statement on the decision to move Stellenbosch FC's Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs to Gqeberha ??
— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) February 28, 2025
FULL CLUB STATEMENT:
It is with regret that Stellenbosch FC confirms the Nedbank Cup quarter-final match against Kaizer Chiefs will be played outside of the Western Cape.
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 quarter-final at home, was also rejected by both the League and Orlando Pirates.
Athlone Stadium is not available for the 7th or 8th of 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.
The Club's home stadium, Danie Craven Stadium, remains unavailable due to historical security concerns surrounding the fixture between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs.