Kaizer Chiefs set for Dobsonville switch after Moses Mabhida setback

Kaizer Chiefs are expected to host Siwelele at Dobsonville Stadium next weekend after their attempt to move the Betway Premiership fixture to Moses Mabhida Stadium ran into difficulties.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has proposed that the match be played at the Soweto venue on Sunday, 6 September, with a 17:30 kick-off, according to Sowetan.

Chiefs cannot use their regular home ground, FNB Stadium, because it is unavailable on the weekend of the fixture. The stadium is scheduled to host the Springboks against the All Blacks in a Rugby Championship match on 5 September.

The club had also explored the possibility of staging the game at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. However, that venue is due to host Marumo Gallants against Polokwane City on Friday, 4 September. Marumo Gallants are registered tenants at the stadium.

Chiefs have listed Moses Mabhida Stadium and Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane as alternative home grounds, in addition to FNB Stadium. Neither venue has been approved for the Siwelele match, with the PSL understood to have concerns about whether the pitches and wider conditions are suitable.

Moses Mabhida was viewed as a possible solution earlier in the week. Stadium manager Sijabulile Ntuli told Sowetan the Durban venue could accommodate the fixture, subject to approval from the PSL.

Ntuli confirmed that construction work on the stadium roof is still under way, but said the playing surface was in excellent condition.

“The engineers advised that games can be played during construction,” Ntuli said.

It remains uncertain whether the PSL has concluded that matches cannot be staged at Moses Mabhida while the roof repairs continue.

Peter Mokaba Stadium had also been declared ready by Mantlako Sebaka, the municipality manager in Polokwane. The ground is used by Chiefs’ fellow tenants Sekhukhune United, and Sebaka said it was prepared to host both clubs.

However, Sowetan understands that the venue will not find out until next week whether it meets the PSL’s current standards. That uncertainty means it is not available to host Chiefs against Siwelele.

The difficulty in finding a suitable stadium has raised questions given South Africa’s supply of major football venues, several of which were used during the 2010 World Cup 16 years ago.

The situation has also affected Chippa United. The PSL has this week approved the club’s use of Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha after Chippa moved their home matches to Durban.

Chippa had initially been scheduled to play Milford at Dobsonville Stadium on 5 September. That venue is now expected to be occupied by Chiefs the following day for their meeting with Siwelele.

The location of the Chiefs fixture is therefore likely to be Dobsonville, with the PSL’s proposed arrangements awaiting confirmation.

The accompanying story audio was generated using AI.