Chippa United seek Buffalo City Stadium switch for Mamelodi Sundowns fixture

Chippa United have applied to move their Betway Premiership match against Mamelodi Sundowns away from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium after the Gqeberha venue failed to satisfy the PSL’s required standards.

The fixture remains scheduled for Saturday, 12 September 2026, but it will no longer be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Chippa have formally requested permission to stage the match at Buffalo City Stadium in East London, although the proposed change still requires approval from the PSL.

The club, known as the Chilli Boys, said it would provide further information about the venue and ticket arrangements once the league has made a decision.

The proposed alternative venue is Buffalo City Stadium in Kugompo. Chippa are awaiting official confirmation before finalising plans for the meeting with the reigning Betway Premiership opponents.

The change follows an inspection carried out by the PSL, during which concerns were raised about the condition and maintenance of the playing surface at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

In a statement, Chippa said: “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,” the club stated.

“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.”

Chippa have not yet confirmed whether tickets already bought for Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will remain valid if the match is moved to Buffalo City Stadium, or whether supporters will need to follow a different process. Those details will be announced after the PSL rules on the application.

The venue issue adds further uncertainty to a fixture between two sides preparing to meet in the opening weeks of the 2026-27 domestic campaign. Sundowns are among the leading clubs in South African football, while Chippa will be hoping to use home advantage despite being forced to seek a different ground.

The club’s announcement follows other recent South African football developments, including the South African Football Association addressing Bafana Bafana’s outstanding bonuses. It also comes amid reports that a former Bafana striker left a new club only weeks after joining.

For now, the Sundowns match remains dependent on the PSL’s approval of Chippa’s request. The club has promised another update later in the day, with the final venue and ticket arrangements to be confirmed once the league has completed the process.