Stellenbosch FC Forced to Relocate Nedbank Cup Clash Against Kaizer Chiefs

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has officially confirmed the Nedbank Cup quarter-final fixtures, with Stellenbosch FC set to take on Kaizer Chiefs. However, Stellies have been hit with yet another stadium setback, forcing them to relocate their home fixture to Gqeberha.

Another Stadium Crisis for Stellenbosch FC

Throughout their CAF Confederation Cup journey, Stellenbosch have faced stadium availability issues, forcing them to play home games at Moses Mabhida Stadium and Loftus Versfeld. Their domestic campaign has been no different, and their quarter-final clash against Kaizer Chiefs has now been affected.

The club initially secured Athlone Stadium for the fixture on March 9, but a scheduling conflict with their Betway Premiership match against Orlando Pirates on March 11 prevented them from using the venue. Stellies attempted to move their league game to March 12, but the request was rejected by both the PSL and Pirates.

Why Stellenbosch Couldn’t Play at Home

• Athlone Stadium – Unavailable due to a rugby tournament on March 7-8 and a scheduling conflict on March 9.
• DHL Stadium – Occupied by the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo during the designated weekend.
• Danie Craven Stadium – Unavailable due to security concerns for fixtures against Kaizer Chiefs.

With no home ground available in Stellenbosch or Cape Town, the club had no choice but to move the match to Gqeberha, effectively losing their home advantage in a crucial knockout tie.

Stellenbosch FC’s Official Statement

The club confirmed the decision in an official 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.”

They further explained the PSL’s decision to reject their request to reschedule their league match against Orlando Pirates, which could have allowed them to play the Nedbank Cup quarter-final at home.

A Major Blow to Stellies’ Nedbank Cup Hopes

Stellenbosch FC has impressed in the CAF Confederation Cup, but they now face an added challenge in domestic competitions. While Kaizer Chiefs’ massive nationwide fanbase means they often have crowd support even in away fixtures, Stellenbosch will miss out on the advantage of playing in their own familiar conditions.

Head coach Steve Barker has managed his squad well despite setbacks. Their MTN8 final loss to Orlando Pirates earlier this season showed they are capable of going deep in cup competitions, but this relocation could affect their Nedbank Cup ambitions.

What’s Next for Stellenbosch?

Currently fifth on the league table with 27 points from 17 games, Stellenbosch are unbeaten in their last three league matches. Their next fixture is against Polokwane City at Danie Craven Stadium—a team they recently defeated in the Nedbank Cup Last 16.

The club will now focus on balancing their league, continental, and cup campaigns despite their venue challenges. Fans, meanwhile, will have to travel a long distance to support Stellies in this crucial Nedbank Cup quarter-final showdown.