Nedbank Cup: Stellies claim ‘they have been denied’ chance to host Chiefs in Western Cape Province

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Premier Soccer League side Stellenbosch are unhappy with the Nedbank Cup organisers for staging their quarter-final clash with Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium instead of the Western Cape Province.

The organisers confirmed SuperSport United will host Orlando Pirates at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on March 8, with Stellies playing Amakhosi at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium later that day. Mamelodi Sundowns will then play either Miford FC or Sekhukhune United on the same Saturday at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium.

The final game in the last four will be on Sunday at the Chatworth Stadium between Durban City and Marumo Gallants.

Stellies unhappy with the match venue

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Stellenbosch FC lifting Carling Knockout Cup 2023 – Picture by Stellenbosch FC

“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,” they said in a statement.

“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 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.”

PSL and Pirates rejected rescheduling their games

Orlando Pirates 1
Image – Orlando Pirates

“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,” Stellies continued.

“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.

“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 2025 at 18h00.”

Chiefs hope to end their decade-long trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup.

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Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.