PSL approves Chippa United’s KuGompo City switch for Mamelodi Sundowns clash

The Premier Soccer League has approved Chippa United’s request to move Saturday’s Betway Premiership match against African champions Mamelodi Sundowns from Gqeberha to Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City.

The decision was confirmed on Tuesday, one day after Chippa United submitted an application to change the venue.

The fixture had originally been scheduled for Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. However, the stadium was not ready to host the match after undergoing pitch surface changes during pre-season, prompting Chippa United to nominate Buffalo City Stadium as an alternative.

Buffalo City Stadium has also recently undergone maintenance, but it received approval from the PSL in late August. The 15,000-capacity venue hosted its first match of the season last weekend, when Chippa United were held to a goalless draw by Milford in the league.

Saturday’s fixture will be Mamelodi Sundowns’ second visit to the KuGompo City stadium in the past 24 months. The previous meeting took place in May 2025, when Sundowns won the match and secured the league title for the 2024/2025 season.

That game was successfully staged despite concerns that the stadium would not be large enough to handle the expected crowds.

Chippa United have made a difficult start to the current campaign and are in the bottom half of the table after recording four draws and one defeat from their five matches.

Head coach Brandon Truter has urged his players to raise their performance for the visit of Mamelodi Sundowns, while the club has called on supporters across the Eastern Cape to attend in large numbers.

“This is an opportunity to witness elite football on home soil and to create the atmosphere our players deserve,” Chippa said on Tuesday.

“We call on our supporters and football lovers across the Eastern Cape to come out in numbers, purchase their tickets and get behind the team as we welcome one of the continent’s biggest clubs.”

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00, with tickets priced at R100.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will instead be expected to host Chippa United’s match against Kaizer Chiefs on 28 November. Acting stadium manager Danville Bush said through Nicole Klokow, the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s marketing, communication and investment promotion manager, that the venue would be ready for that fixture.

“It is always disappointing to lose a high-profile fixture, particularly when supporters are looking forward to it, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused,” Klokow wrote in response to questions directed at Bush.

“However, our role is to ensure the venue remains ready and available, and we continue to work closely with the PSL and our anchor team, Chippa United, to support their schedule.

“We are happy to confirm that the NMB stadium will be ready and in top condition for the Chiefs game in November.

“The recent pitch upgrade forms part of our ongoing commitment to world-class facilities and to ensuring the best possible experience for players and fans.

“The stadium has already proven itself at the international level, hosting the recent Springboks vs Barbarians clash to great success.”

Fans who had already bought tickets for Saturday’s match will need to await further information from the club and ticketing provider.

“Ticket refunds are handled by the event organiser and ticketing provider.

“Chippa United have stated that ticket holders will receive further communication from them.”