Kaizer Chiefs vs Stellenbosch FC: Venue change announced for season opener
FILE. The Betway Premiership season opener between Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs has been relocated to Athlone Stadium, with Chiefs aiming to strengthen their squad to compete with top teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Picture: Itumeleng English/Indpendent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Indpendent Media
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) on Wednesday confirmed a venue change for the Betway Premiership season opener, between hosts Stellenbosch FC and Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend.
The clash on Sunday was initially scheduled to take place at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, but has now been moved inland to Athlone Stadium.
Stellies already began their new campaign as they took part in the MTN8 quarter-final season opener last weekend.
Steve Barker’s men held their nerve for a 3-2 extra time victory over AmaZulu at DHL Stadium.
Chiefs Miss Out on Competition: Failing to Qualify for the Second Consecutive Season
Meanwhile, Chiefs were not involved in the competition as they failed to qualify after finishing outside the top eight in the league for a second season in a row.
Chiefs have also made a number of new signings in Ethan Chislett, Nkanyiso Shinga, Flavio Silva, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako and Siphesihle Ndlovu.
This could be an important step for Chiefs if they seriously want to compete with their Soweto Derby rivals Orlando Pirates and the reigning Betway Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Former Chiefs forward Justice Sithole said: “You need to have quality players who understand the team if you really want to compete for major trophies.
“I think that at the moment, after the Nedbank Cup final, Chiefs can take it from there and move forward.”
It’s also Nasreddine Nabi’s second season in charge as Chiefs coach, and now that he has settled into the role and clearly has the backing of the club, he has all the ingredients he needs to ‘start cooking’.