Stadiums Crisis Hits PSL Clubs As Chippa Will Face Pirates In Durban
Chippa United have confirmed that they will play their opening five matches away from home this season due to the unavailability of stadiums in the Eastern Cape, with their high-profile fixture against Orlando Pirates set to take place in Durban.
Chippa announced that their 16 August clash against Pirates will be held at Kings Park Stadium, the home of rugby franchise, the Sharks.
The Eastern Cape side has been forced into the arrangement after both the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha and the Buffalo City Stadium in East London were ruled out due to ongoing maintenance.
Speaking during the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season launch on Wednesday, Chippa head coach Brandon Truter confirmed that they have no choice but to take their home fixtures on the road.
“We are in the same position as Stellenbosch regarding our home games, as our regular stadiums are unavailable,” said Truter, whose side kicks off their campaign against Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday.
“I believe the Springboks played the recent Test at Nelson Mandela Bay [against Zimbabwe], and as a result, our first five to seven matches will effectively be away games.”
Stellenbosch FC are facing a similar crisis in the Western Cape, with all three of their regular venues—DHL Stadium, Danie Craven Stadium, and Athlone Stadium—currently unavailable due to maintenance and turf upgrades.
DHL Stadium is currently being prepared to host the upcoming clash between the Springboks and All Blacks, who will face off in four Test matches—three in South Africa and a landmark fixture in the United States.
The All Blacks’ tour will feature Tests at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, DHL Stadium in Cape Town, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
Consequently, Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch side will open their campaign against AmaZulu in Durban at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, instead of Danie Craven Stadium, on Saturday.
Hunt, who took over at Stellies last December following Steve Barker’s departure, expressed his frustration, noting that football often takes a back seat in Cape Town.
“Obviously, rugby takes preference in South Africa, so we need to get that message out there,” Hunt remarked. “The availability of quality stadiums remains a major problem.”
