+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Orlando Pirates fans, January 2025Backpagepix
Dumisani Koyana

The call for stadium ownership by PSL clubs gains heat as Orlando Pirates are forced to move their crucial Caf Champions League match against Pyramids

The Calabash could host a continental showpiece due to an event at the Orlando Stadium, forcing Bucs to move their semi-final to Nasrec.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Pirates switch venue for semi-final
  • Orlando unavailable due to church
  • Calabash could host massive continental clash
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱
  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Orlando Pirates will not be enjoying the ambience that is created at their home ground, Orlando Stadium, as their Caf Champions League semi-final game could be moved to the FNB Stadium. The Buccaneers are forced to move their first-leg clash against Egypt’s Pyramids FC.

    This comes after Grace Bible Church booked the venue for a three-day Easter conference, which overlaps with the fixture. Bucs made their way to the last four after a 1-0 aggregate win over MC Alger, with Mohau Nkota scoring the only goal across both legs.

    The return leg will be played in Cairo on the week of 25 April. Esgodini became a fortress to Jose Riveiro's side as they are the only unbeaten side in the competition.

    • Advertisement
  • PSL Referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa and Stellenbosch PlayersBackpage

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Stellenbosch FC’s revelation of plans to build their own stadium couldn’t come at a better time. The Pirates situation highlights why PSL clubs must push for stadium ownership. Relying on shared venues limits scheduling flexibility and compromises crucial home-ground advantage in major matches. Owning a stadium empowers clubs to generate revenue, build stronger fan experiences, and avoid external disruptions.

  • Jose Riveiro, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    WHAT ORLANDO STADIUM OFFERS BUCS

    Orlando Stadium, with its 37,313 capacity, has proven to be a fortress for Orlando Pirates, where they’ve won five home matches in their current Caf Champions League run. The tight and energetic setup of the venue has given the Buccaneers a strong home advantage, often referred to as their twelfth man.

    However, moving their crucial semi-final to the much larger FNB Stadium, which holds up to 90,000 fans, would present a new challenge. The task now lies with the Pirates faithful to recreate that same intimidating atmosphere in a stadium more than twice the size. The change in venue could impact the dynamic, but the hope is that the support will travel and roar just as loud at the Calabash.

  • Orlando Pirates, 2025Backpage

    WHAT NEXT FOR PIRATES?

    Bucs will be facing Marumo Gallants in the semi finals of the Nedbank Cup as they aim to defend their trophy.