Stellenbosch has apologized to its fans after the Nedbank Cup quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs was confirmed to be played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed that Stellenbosch’s home match will take place on March 8th at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, as venues in Cape Town were unavailable.

Danie Craven Stadium is unavailable due to security concerns stemming from past incidents where fans stormed the pitch during a match against Kaizer Chiefs. The stadium was also closed earlier this season due to an unplayable pitch surface.

“It is with regret that Stellenbosch FC announces the Nedbank Cup quarter-final match against Kaizer Chiefs will be played outside of the Western Cape,” said Stellenbosch in the statement.  

“The Club has been denied an opportunity to host the highly anticipated home fixture against Kaizer Chiefs in Stellenbosch or Cape Town due to simultaneous issues of stadium availability over the designated weekend of 7-9 March 2025 and subsequent scheduling conflicts. 

“Stellenbosch FC had secured the availability of Athlone Stadium in Cape Town for Sunday, 9 March, for the encounter, but were denied a request to host the match on this date due to the Club’s scheduled Betway 

Premiership fixture against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, 11 March 2025 at the same venue. 

“According to FIFA rules, there needs to be two full days between matches. SFC’s request to reschedule this league fixture by one day to Wednesday, 12 March 2025, in order to allow the Club to host the Nedbank Cup quarter-final at home, was also rejected by both the League and Orlando Pirates. 

“Athlone Stadium is not available on the 7th or 8th March for the Nedbank Cup fixture due to a rugby tournament at the venue, whilst the neighbouring DHL Stadium is hosting the Cape Town Cycle Tour Expo on the weekend in question. 

“The Club’s home stadium, Danie Craven Stadium, remains unavailable due to historical security concerns surrounding the fixture between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs. 

“As a result, with no alternative home venue available and due to the prevailing scheduling conflict, the PSL has decided to host the match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, 8 March at 18:00.”  

Sportswire sources have informed that Stellenbosch will not host any major matches for now – against Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns – at Danie Craven Stadium due to security fears.