Kaizer Chiefs coach shares thoughts on hosting Siwelele at Dobsonville

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has weighed in on hosting their Betway Premiership encounter against Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, amid venue challenges in the PSL.

The Glamour Boys are forced to host the Bloemfontein-based outfit at the 24 000- seater stadium as their traditional home ground, the FNB Stadium, is set to host the highly-anticipated rugby clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks.

Notably, the match was initially rescheduled for Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, but the venue also became unavailable - sparking discontent amongst a section of the Amakhosi faithful.

Chiefs subsequently enquired about hosting the game at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 02 September as the venue would be in use on the weekend of 05 September, but the PSL deemed the pitch unsuitable for the match on the proposed date after inspections.

In a desperate effort, the Soweto giants opted for the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the PSL rebuffing their advances yet again, paving way for the match to be staged at Dobsonville, in the heart of Soweto.

While the match has been marred by the logistical challenges, da Cruz takes no issue with playing in an alternative stadium, stating the main point of interest is his team's performance as they look to secure maximum points.

“We will train MD-1 in the stadium in the afternoon, to feel the grass, to feel the environment, to feel the size,” said the Chiefs boss when pressed for comment on the venue challenges.

"But it's not the main parameter for us, the most important thing is to be focused on our performance and on our game model.

Chiefs will be looking to return to winning ways as they are currently on a run of two consecutive draws, while Lehlohonolo Seema's men are desperately in search of their first win of the 2026/27 campaign.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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