Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

After objecting to the use of three possible venues, Ajax Cape Town have accepted Chatsworth Stadium for the Telkom Knockout final against Orlando Pirates on December 13.

Mark Meyer, Ajax's media and communications manager, said: "Common sense prevailed, we are happy that it's going to a neutral venue."

The three venues that were initially suggested by the cup committee were Orlando Stadium (Soweto), Super (Atteridgeville) and Olympia Park (Rustenburg).

But at yesterday's meeting, all the parties were satisfied that the 22000-seater Chatsworth stadium was a suitable alternative venue.

This was after Kings Park Stadium in Durban was ruled out for the game because of a church service on the same day.

Pirates will be the hosts after winning a toss for their home colours.

Gladys Bailey, Ajax's number one fan, said: "That's great news to go to Durban, as long it's not Soweto or Rustenburg."

Said PSL general manager Ace Ncobo: "Both clubs were satisfied by the decision to take the match to Chatsworth Stadium.

"Support for any of our PSL matches is always great in the KZN [KwaZulu-Natal] area and I'm sure we can expect a capacity crowd for the match."

Mickey Modisane, Pirates publicist, said: "We are content with the venue, considering that most of the facilities are being upgraded for the 2010 World Cup.

"A bigger venue would have been ideal for this final. We urge our supporters to buy tickets early to avoid disappointment."

Thembeni Biyela, a prominent Pirates fan in KwaZulu-Natal, said: "It's great that the final is coming to our shores.

"I have already started informing our supporters and encourage them to start buying tickets when they go on sale on Friday."

Johannesburg soccer lovers will travel 564km to Chatsworth. Those in Cape Town will travel 1 631km.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow at all Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets at R30 (main grandstand), R20 (open stand) and R10 (children).