The decision comes on the back of Amakhosi being found guilty by the Premier Soccer League’s disciplinary committee following the fan violence that marred their Nedbank Cup semi-final defeat to Free State Stars at the same KZN World Cup venue in April.
Kaizer Chiefs will play the first of their two matches behind closed doors on Saturday against Polokwane City at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Spectators invaded the pitch and attacked security personnel, while also causing extensive damage to the stadium. Then-coach Steve Komphela immediately resigned after the match following three seasons in charge without any meaningful silverware.
Chiefs were ordered to play three “home” matches in KZN behind closed doors, with one of those suspended for 24 months, if the Amakhosi are not found guilty of a similar offence in that period.
So, the club announced on their website on Monday that the first of those matches will be on Saturday at 6 pm against Polokwane. “The club has since appealed the (PSL’s) decision.
“However, in terms of rule 24.3 of the Rules of the League, as contained in the League’s Handbook, ‘an appeal against an order of the Disciplinary Committee or the Dispute Resolution Chamber will not suspend the operation of that order pending the finalisation of any appeal or arbitration in respect of that order’,” Chiefs said on their website.
“Therefore, despite the club’s abovementioned appeal, the order of the Disciplinary Committee in this matter remains in operation pending the outcome of the appeal or any arbitration process that may follow the appeal.”
Chiefs said that they are “in the process of making arrangements for refunds” for anybody who had already bought tickets. But the Amakhosi faithful will be relieved to know that the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport 4 on channel 204 on DSTV.
Giovanni Solinas’ team are next in action on Tuesday night against Highlands Park, which will be played at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa (7.30pm kickoff).
Chiefs to play Polokwane City behind closed doors
Kaizer Chiefs will play the next Absa Premiership home fixture against Polokwane City behind closed doors. https://t.co/HOBHpxqKzW#HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) October 1, 2018
Source: IOL News
