13 March 2013
Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA) is deeply concerned about incorrect reports in the media with regards to Kaizer Chiefs’ remaining home fixtures for this season. Contrary to reports and popular belief, SMSA has not “forced” Kaizer Chiefs Football Club to move their home fixtures to Peter Mokaba Stadium in favour of upcoming concerts. SMSA and Kaizer Chiefs signed an agreement prior to the commencement of the 2012/2013 season which stipulated that 12 of Chiefs’ 15 home games would be played at FNB Stadium. In August 2012 Kaizer Chiefs signed an agreement with the Polokwane Municipality to play their matches against Maritzburg United (3 April 2013), SuperSport United (17 April 2013) and Platinum Stars (28 April 2013) at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Jacques Grobbelaar, SMSA Chairman and CEO, said it was extremely disappointing that assumptions were deemed to be fact among the South African media and public. “We signed an agreement with Kaizer Chiefs before the start of the new season in which it was stipulated that the team would play 12 of their 15 home games at FNB Stadium. There are widespread reports and conversations on social media platforms that the team is being forced to move to alternate venues because FNB Stadium will be hosting concerts in the coming months, but this is not factually correct. Yes we are hosting three concerts in April and May, but that has no bearing on Kaizer Chiefs’ fixtures as they had already decided in August last year not to play three of their home fixtures in April at FNB Stadium.”
Grobbelaar said it was not ideal for the logleaders, who are on course for their first League title since the 2004/2005 season, to be on the road from now till the end of the season. “Although agreements have been in place for more than eight months, SMSA is prepared to assist Kaizer Chiefs in their title chase and has already offered the use of FNB Stadium for the team’s matches against Maritzburg United and SuperSport United,” said Grobbelaar.