Kaizer Chiefs apologise after Siwelele fixture moved to Dobsonville Stadium

Kaizer Chiefs have apologised to supporters after their Betway Premiership home match against Siwelele FC was moved to Dobsonville Stadium following a series of venue changes.

The fixture will now be played in Soweto on Sunday, 6 September at 17:30, with tickets priced at R80 and available through Computicket, as well as at Shoprite and Checkers stores.

The match had initially been scheduled for Kaizer Chiefs’ traditional home, FNB Stadium, but that venue is unavailable because it will host the rugby match between the Springboks and the All Blacks. The fixture requires exclusive use of the stadium and its facilities.

Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg was then selected as an alternative venue, only for it to become unavailable for the club’s administrative use.

Kaizer Chiefs said they subsequently applied to host the match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 2 September. Although stadium management indicated that it was prepared to stage the game, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) did not approve the venue.

The club said engineering teams were still carrying out essential repairs to the stadium roof, while PSL inspections found that the pitch was not suitable for a match on the proposed dates.

“Given that our traditional home ground, FNB Stadium, is unavailable as it will host the highly anticipated rugby clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks, a fixture that requires exclusive use of the venue and its facilities, the match was rescheduled for Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. However, that venue also became unavailable,” the club said.

Dobsonville secured as final option

Kaizer Chiefs next explored the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, but the PSL ruled that the fixture could not be played there because compliance inspections were still pending.

The club then worked with Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) to secure Dobsonville Stadium. SMSA offered Sunday, 6 September because another match had already been scheduled at the Soweto venue.

Kaizer Chiefs said it had conducted site inspections, engaged directly with the relevant stadiums and submitted formal applications while trying to ensure the match could go ahead.

The club apologised to supporters of both teams, particularly those who had already made travel arrangements to Rustenburg.

“We therefore wish to sincerely apologise to the supporters of both teams who had already made arrangements to travel to Rustenburg. We appreciate your understanding as the Amakhosi faithful and fans of Siwelele. We look forward to seeing you and having a great match in the heart of Soweto on Sunday, 6 September 2026,” Kaizer Chiefs said.

The league is also facing wider stadium difficulties across South Africa, with Kaizer Chiefs saying it hoped the problems would be resolved soon.

Chiefs targeting three points

The match is an important one for Fernando Da Cruz’s side as they attempt to move up a tightly contested Betway Premiership table.

Kaizer Chiefs are third after drawing 2-2 with Richards Bay FC in their previous match. Victory against 14th-placed Siwelele FC would keep Amakhosi close to early leaders Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

The final arrangements were confirmed by the PSL after a number of logistical discussions between the club, stadium authorities and other stakeholders.