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Chippa claim bias by PSL over stadium row

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Craig Martin of Chippa United and Gladwin Shitolo of Golden Arrows during the DStv Premiership 2023/24 game between Chippa United and Golden Arrows at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on 9 December 2023 ©Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
  • Post published:December 21, 2023

The return of DStv Premiership action to East London has been delayed after Polokwane City refused to agree to a switch in venue for their weekend clash against Chippa United, the home club claimed in a statement as it accused the Premier Soccer League of bias.

Chippa chairman Siviwe Mpengesi had announced earlier this month that his club would play a first game at East London’s Buffalo City Stadium after the venue was approved by the PSL, returning to the town after previously hosting home matches between the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha and Siza Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane, on the outskirts of East London.

He hailed it as a “significant milestone” and said Chippa would play their December 23 fixture against Polokwane City at the venue.

But now the game is staying at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the club announced: “To the people of the Eastern Cape, it is with deep regret that I must share a recent development regarding our upcoming match against Polokwane City, initially scheduled to be played at the Buffalo City Stadium.

“Following Prof. Ronald Schloss’s approval from the PSL for our use of the Buffalo City Stadium, we made every effort to facilitate the fixture change from Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

“This included covering the costs for flight and hotel changes for the visiting team. Despite these efforts and meeting all requirements, Polokwane City unexpectedly rejected the fixture change without providing a valid reason. This decision was further compounded by the PSL’s choice not to enforce its rules regarding fixture changes, ultimately leading to the revocation of the change and a return to the original venue,” claimed Mpengesi.

“We understand the disappointment this news brings, especially considering the excitement and anticipation that had been building in our community. Our intention was to bring joy and celebration to the city with this match, adding to the festive spirit of the Christmas weekend. Please accept our sincere apologies for this outcome, which was beyond our control.

“While the decisions made by the PSL officials displayed biasness and inconsistency towards us, it was clear that their agenda was aimed at hindering the progress of the Eastern Cape Province. Despite these setbacks, in the second half of the season, we are committed to hosting all our remaining home games at the Buffalo City Municipality Stadium, starting with the match against Cape Town City on February 17. We now turn our attention to the upcoming match at Nelson Mandela Stadium, where we are determined to secure the three points,” the Chippa chairman’s statement concluded.

The Buffalo City Stadium, previously known as the Basil Kenyon Stadium, was last used actively for professional soccer when Umtata Bush Bucks moved from the Transkei capital to East London but they were relegated 20 years ago.