×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Chiefs dump Orlando Stadium for Loftus

KAIZER Chiefs will host their second-round matches at Loftus Stadium after Orlando Stadium was temporarily closed because of its poor pitch.

The Soweto venue has been closed for two weeks, but Amakhosi have decided to play all their remaining matches of the 2009-10 season at Loftus.

The pitch at Orlando Stadium has not been in perfect condition lately and this led to many coaches and league officials complain about it.

PSL chief executive Kjetil Siem admitted after the MTN 8 Cup final that the state of the pitch left much to be desired.

Its poor condition has been blamed on the number of matches being played there and this seems to have been one of the reasons that Chiefs decided to change base to Tshwane.

Chiefs manager Bobby "Bobsteak" Motaung was quoted on the club website as saying their first game at Loftus will be against league champions SuperSport United.

"Loftus is our alternative ground and that informs the reason why the game (against United) has been moved there," he said. "We hope this will also give Orlando the opportunity to recuperate after being over-used in the past couple of months."

Motaung said Chiefs would most likely remain at Loftus until the end of the season. Orlando will be used as one of the training venues for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates will continue using the stadium after the process of fixing the pitch has been completed. Bucs play their next game against Ajax Cape Town at the venue on November 21.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.