Stellenbosch FC reveals key reason behind venue switch for blockbuster Nedbank Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs

The PSL has confirmed the Nedbank Cup quarter-final fixtures, with Stellenbosch FC set to face Kaizer Chiefs.

However, Stellies have again struggled with stadium availability, as seen in their Caf Confederation Cup matches played at Moses Mabhida and Loftus Versfeld.

Athlone Stadium is unavailable due to a rugby tournament, while DHL Stadium is occupied by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo. Danie Craven Stadium remains off-limits due to past security concerns in fixtures against Chiefs.

With no home venue available, the club announced that the match would be played in Gqeberha after the PSL released the official schedule. The relocation means Stellies will lose their home advantage in a crucial knockout fixture. This could impact their cup campaign, as playing in familiar conditions is key in knockout ties. Fans will have to travel far to support their team in this important match.

The statement issued by the club reads: "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 hosting 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."

Stellenbosch FC has faced stadium challenges throughout their continental journey, which continues in domestic competitions. Despite Chiefs’ large nationwide support, Stellies will still feel the disadvantage of losing their true home backing.

Steve Barker’s men have impressed in the Caf Confederation Cup and now have a double challenge, targeting both continental and Nedbank Cup glory. Their cup performances have been inconsistent, with a loss to Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final earlier in the season.

The departure of Jayden Adams to Sundowns was a blow, but Thato Khiba has stepped in well, proving to be a valuable replacement.

Stellenbosch are unbeaten in their last three league matches and will next face Polokwane City at Danie Craven Stadium. They currently sit fifth on the table with 27 points after 17 games.

The two sides recently met in the Nedbank Cup last 16, where Stellies emerged victorious. Their first-round league encounter ended in a 1-1 draw in Polokwane. Barker’s team will look to maintain momentum in both league and cup competitions.