Stellenbosch FC Issues Apology to Supporters for Changing Match Date Against Chiefs

Stellenbosch has issued an apology to its fans following the announcement that the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs will be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that Stellenbosch’s home game will take place on March 8th at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, given the lack of available venues in Cape Town.

Currently, Danie Craven Stadium is off-limits due to security concerns stemming from previous incidents where fans stormed the pitch during a match against Kaizer Chiefs. Additionally, the stadium was previously closed this season due to an unplayable pitch.

“Stellenbosch FC regrets to inform that the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs will not occur in the Western Cape,” the club communicated.

“The club was unable to host the eagerly awaited home fixture against Kaizer Chiefs in either Stellenbosch or Cape Town due to overlapping stadium unavailability during the weekend of March 7-9, 2025, alongside other scheduling conflicts.”

“Stellenbosch FC had made arrangements for Athlone Stadium in Cape Town to be free on Sunday, March 9, for this match, but the request was denied due to the club’s scheduled Betway Premiership game against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the same location.

“According to FIFA regulations, there must be at least two full days between matches. However, Stellenbosch FC’s request to move this league match to one day later, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, was rejected by both the League and Orlando Pirates.”

“Athlone Stadium is unavailable on March 7th and 8th because of a rugby tournament taking place at the venue, while the nearby DHL Stadium will host the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo that weekend.”

“The club’s primary venue, Danie Craven Stadium, continues to be off-limits due to ongoing security issues linked to the match between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs.”

“As a result, with no alternative home venues and the scheduling issues, the PSL has decided to hold the match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, March 8, at 18:00.”

Sources from Sportswire have indicated that Stellenbosch will be unable to host any significant matches in the near future, including those against Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns, at Danie Craven Stadium due to security concerns.