Chippa United seek Buffalo City switch for Sundowns clash after stadium fails inspection

Chippa United have applied to move their Betway Premiership home fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to Buffalo City Stadium after the Gqeberha venue failed a PSL inspection.

The match remains scheduled for Saturday, 12 September 2026, but it will not be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after concerns were raised about the condition and maintenance of its playing surface.

Chippa United announced the development on Monday, just days before the highly anticipated fixture. The club said it had formally submitted a request to the PSL to stage the match at Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City and was waiting for approval.

The proposed alternative venue has previously been used by Chippa United for home matches. The club played there on several occasions, including this past weekend when it hosted Milford FC.

The late change could affect supporters who have already bought tickets or made travel arrangements to attend the match in Nelson Mandela Bay. Chippa said further details about the venue and the validity of existing tickets would be provided once the PSL had confirmed the relocation.

In a statement published on the club’s official X account, Chippa United said:

> BREAKING NEWS > > Chippa United FC regrets to inform its supporters that Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium has not met the PSL’s required criteria to host our Betway Premiership fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns FC on Saturday, 12 September 2026. > > Following the PSL’s inspection, the stadium was not approved due to concerns regarding the condition and maintenance of the playing surface. The match will therefore no longer be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. > > The club has formally applied to the PSL to relocate the fixture to Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo and is currently awaiting approval. > > We sincerely apologise to our supporters, particularly those who have already purchased tickets or made arrangements to attend the match in Nelson Mandela Bay. Further information regarding the venue and existing tickets will be communicated once confirmation has been received from the PSL. > > The club will provide another update during the course of the day. We regret the inconvenience caused and thank our supporters for their patience and understanding.

The fixture against Mamelodi Sundowns is still listed for Saturday, 12 September, although the final venue remains subject to approval from the PSL.

Chippa United’s announcement comes as supporters await clarity over whether the match will remain in the Eastern Cape and how tickets already purchased will be handled. The club said it regretted the inconvenience caused and thanked its supporters for their patience and understanding.