Chippa clash with City is back at Sisa stadium

CHIPPA United yesterday made a U-turn, saying their game against high-flying Cape Town City later this month has been moved back to Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane.

On Tuesday the Chilli Boys boss Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi announced that the October 22 game had been moved from the NU2 venue to Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium because Sisa Dukashe Stadium failed to meet Premier Soccer League standards.

This came as a shock, especially after the city said it would spend millions revamping the pitch during the off-season.

However, in an interview yesterday, Mpengesi told the Daily Dispatch the game was back at Sisa Dukashe.

“We got a letter from the PSL confirming the game [will be played in Mdantsane] after they had rejected it, but we also pleaded with them to reconsider, and they eventually sent an official to evaluate the pitch.

“The officials compared Sisa and Absa Stadium (now Buffalo City Stadium) and came to the conclusion that Sisa was in better condition.”

Buffalo City Metro Municipality spokesman, Samkelo Ngwenya, said they were happy the game was back in Mdantsane, as mayor Xola Pakati announced in his state of the metro address that the games in the townships had good spin-offs for the area.

“We have approved R3-million for upgrades at Sisa Dukashe to ensure that the facility continues to meet both national and international standards for hosting premium events as it had happened in the previous PSL season,” he said.

Mpengesi said the confusion was stressful for the club as they had promised their fans in BCM they would bring more games following their Premier’s Cup clash against Kaizer Chiefs during the off-season.

“I’m happy this game has been confirmed by the PSL because it’s even posted on their website for the fans to see.”

However, PSL spokesman Luxolo September said: “This game is likely to be moved to Mdantsane.” —