Kaizer Chiefs will head to Polokwane this weekend expecting a tough Betway Premiership assignment — but the venue for their clash with Polokwane City has raised a few eyebrows.
Despite the new Peter Mokaba Stadium being ready to host football, Polokwane City have opted to stage Saturday’s meeting with Amakhosi at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The decision was taken by the club in conjunction with the PSL, meaning Chiefs will not get the opportunity to play at the city’s newer venue.
Why are Polokwane City sticking with the old stadium?
According to Polokwane municipality’s manager for Sport and Recreation, Mantlako Sebaka, the new Peter Mokaba Stadium is ready from a pitch, facility and amenities perspective.
However, the municipality does not decide where Polokwane City play their home matches.
Sebaka confirmed that the decision to use the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium was made by the club and the PSL.
“The New Peter Mokaba Stadium is ready pitch wise, facility wise and amenity wise,” Sebaka told iDiski Times.
He added that the municipality had hoped the fixture would be played at the new stadium but acknowledged that Polokwane City, as a PSL club, ultimately has the say over its home venue.
The move could prove significant, particularly with Chiefs arriving in Polokwane in impressive form.
Could the smaller venue help Polokwane City?
For Polokwane City, the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium may offer a more familiar environment as they prepare to welcome one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.
Chiefs have started the season strongly under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, and their possession-based approach could arguably have benefited from the playing conditions at the newer venue.
Instead, Amakhosi will have to adapt to the surroundings at the old stadium as they look to maintain their momentum.
Chiefs chasing another crucial victory
Chiefs travel to Polokwane on Saturday afternoon knowing another three points could keep the pressure on their title rivals.
The match kicks off at 15:00, with Amakhosi aiming to continue their positive start to the campaign.
Polokwane City, meanwhile, will be determined to use home advantage to frustrate their high-profile visitors.
The big question is whether the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium can become an advantage for Rise and Shine — or whether Chiefs will simply continue their winning ways regardless of the venue.
Can Polokwane City contain Amakhosi, or will Kaizer Chiefs leave Polokwane with another three points?
