The venue change comes after a shortage of available stadiums in the Western Cape. As a result, Stellenbosch will travel further than AmaZulu for a fixture they were scheduled to host.
GAVIN HUNT FRUSTRATED BY VENUE ISSUES
The club’s usual home ground, Danie Craven Stadium, is unavailable as it is being prepared for an international rugby tournament.
Athlone Stadium is also unavailable. It is being used by New Zealand’s All Blacks during their South African tour. Meanwhile, DHL Stadium is hosting a Currie Cup fixture between the DHL Stormers and the Sharks.
The lack of available venues forced the Premier Soccer League to move the match to Durban.
Head coach Gavin Hunt has expressed his frustration over the situation. The experienced coach believes the ongoing stadium problems have disrupted the club’s preparations.
Hunt also said the team could be forced to spend almost two months without playing a true home match. The situation will increase both travel demands and costs for the club.
STELLENBOSCH FC START SEASON HOMELESS
The venue problems come during a busy period for Stellenbosch FC.
The club has lost several key players ahead of the new Betway Premiership season. Thapelo Mokobodi has joined Orlando Pirates, while winger Langelihle Phili has reportedly completed a move to Kaizer Chiefs.
Those departures leave Hunt with the task of rebuilding his squad before the season gets into full swing.
Despite losing home advantage, Stellenbosch will hope to make a winning start when they face AmaZulu in Durban. The Cape side has enjoyed positive results in KwaZulu–Natal during previous tournament relocations and will be looking to continue that record.