The wait is finally over for football fans in Stellenbosch as Stellenbosch FC (SFC) hosts its first ever PSL home match with spectators when they play Kaizer Chiefs in a DStv Premiership match at the Danie Craven Stadium this coming Saturday 23 April. Kick off is at 17:00.
The eagerly anticipated fixture is set-up to be a mouth-watering occasion, not only for the footballing spectacle that will be on display but for the historic moment for both the town of Stellenbosch and for the Club which carries its name.
SFC and Stellenbosch Academy of Sport CEO, Rob Benadie, says they cannot wait to welcome their supporters to the Danie Craven Stadium, which until now has been a good match venue for SFC, but not a home. “Only with our special supporters behind us will the stadium start becoming a real home to the team and hopefully a graveyard to the opposition. The club has had to wait since promotion to the PSL in May 2019 until this day to play in our town in front of our supporters. I know in my heart that we would have performed better in many of our matches last season and this if we had our devoted fans encouraging us from the stands. I trust Stellenbosch to show the mighty Amakhosi what Stellenbosch is all about on Saturday!”
With ticket sales starting at just R40, spectators who are looking to book their seat at the historic event can book online via Webtickets or purchase them at any Pick n Pay kiosk.
As per government and PSL regulations spectators over the age of 12 will be required to provide a proof of vaccination as well as their identification document/card.
Gates open at 15:00 with food and beverages on sale as well as Stellenbosch FC merchandise.
“The club advises spectators to arrive once gates have opened as it will take longer than normal to allow for all admission protocols. This is a family event and stadium security and the South African Police Services will be present to deal with any misbehaving spectators before, during and after the match,” Benade added.
Spectators that are able to walk to the stadium are encouraged to do so due to the traffic congestion typically experienced at the stadium. Parking is however available at the Coetzenburg Centre for Grandstand ticket holders and the Coetzenburg Rugby fields behind the stadium for Open Stand ticket holders.
SFC Head Coach Steve Barker says footballers at the end of the day are entertainers, “they work hard every day to showcase their abilities in front of fans, so I think everybody is excited at that prospect this coming weekend. The fans played an integral role during our promotion season out at Idas Valley, once promoted we played all our home matches in Cape Town and then eventually when we did secure a home venue in Stellenbosch – that unfortunately, coincided with fans not being allowed in stadiums. So yes, we’re looking forward to it and we’re hoping our fans can come out to support us this coming weekend.”
In November, local Idas Valley-born striker Ashley du Preez scored a 30-metre screamer to beat Chiefs 1-0 at the FNB Stadium. The team aims to do its first “league double” over the Amakhosi giants and needs your support.
Spectators can gain access to the Stadium precinct via two entrances, one via the Paul Roos Gymnasium circle and along Suidwal Street towards the sports complex. The other via the entrance road at the Maties Sport offices. The bridge at the Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium will be closed three hours before the start of the match up until two hours after completion.
