Following the announcement of the venue for the ABSA Cup final to be staged at the ABSA Stadium in Ethekwini, the Management of Kaizer Chiefs considers it necessary to categorically state the following concerns.

1. Kaizer Chiefs did not make any substantive input into the deliberations and subsequent decision to stage the competition at the ABSA Stadium in Ethekwini

2. The meeting that was scheduled for 15:00 started at 14:30 thus denying Kaizer Chiefs an opportunity to contribute meaningfully towards the decision. At this stage, Kaizer Chiefs was only represented by its Head of Security and not the entire delegation as officially mandated for such duties

3. A decision to stage the competition in Ethekwini had already been taken by the ABSA Cup Committee before consultation with the two clubs

4. In announcing the decision that was taken prior to the said meeting, the CEO of PSL Mr. Trevor Phillips stated that there was some consultation between him and the Chairmen of the two clubs; which statement we refute because such consultation never took place

In the light of the above, Kaizer Chiefs Management officially states that:-

- Inconsistencies during consultative processes before any decision was made violated Rule No. 9.6 of the ABSA Competition Rules.

- Kaizer Chiefs was therefore not party to any decision taken to stage the competition in Ethekwini

- We regard the decision as contradicting the norm of playing and hosting any competition game and derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at a venue that has a minimal carrying capacity for the usually strong crowds of supporters of both teams

- We believe that there was no firm rational thus the decision was not taken in the best interest of football

Kaizer Chiefs is however committed to the principle of fair play and assure our supporters that we will conduct ourselves professionally throughout the entire competition.

Enquiries:

Thebe Mohatle (Mr.)


Communication Manager/ PRO, Kaizer Chiefs