Top class soccer action may return to East London during the current PSL season as the Eastern Cape’s premier team, Chippa United, look at the possibility of playing some Premier Soccer League (PSL) games in the city.
This is not the first time that the club has attempted to bring games to the city, with various problems curtailing the efforts.
However, this time with the backing of the PSL and genuine interest shown by the Buffalo City Municipality, it may finally come to fruition.
“We are planning to bring some games to East London,” Chippa United chief operating officer, Lukhanyo Mzimzi said.
“We are hoping to play at least a minimum of five games.”
The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) said talks were on-going.
“BCM has agreed in principle to partner with Chippa United. BCM has agreed to host five Chippa United home games at the BCM Stadium in East London,” BCM executive mayor spokesman Sibusiso Cindi said.
If plans go smoothly the first match in the city could be as soon as November 4, when Chippa host Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We don’t want to rush the officials at the municipality, but we would have ideally liked to open with the Sundowns game. But also, it depends on the readiness of the pitch,” Mzimzi said.
Cindi said BCM were also eyeing the same date.
“If all goes well and according to plan, the first Chippa United game at the BCM Stadium is to be played in November this year.”
With the venue slated to host these matches at the BCM Stadium, already the home of the Border Bulldogs, the municipality would need to see how viable this plan is and decide on how to juggle hosting both rugby and soccer matches at the stadium.
“BCM is to meet and engage with the Border Rugby Union so that the rugby organisation can be formally informed,” Cindi said.
Various criteria, however, would have to be met especially to see that the pitch meets PSL standards. A cursory inspection has already been done with various recommendations made to the municipality.
“We were there four to five weeks ago and now we are waiting for the municipality in East London to give us feedback so we can come and inspect again,” PSL media head Luxolo September said.
With things looking promising, local soccer fans can only live in hope.
PSL heydays could be back
This is not the first time that the club has attempted to bring games to the city, with various problems curtailing the efforts.
However, this time with the backing of the PSL and genuine interest shown by the Buffalo City Municipality, it may finally come to fruition.
“We are planning to bring some games to East London,” Chippa United chief operating officer, Lukhanyo Mzimzi said.
“We are hoping to play at least a minimum of five games.”
The Buffalo City Municipality (BCM) said talks were on-going.
“BCM has agreed in principle to partner with Chippa United. BCM has agreed to host five Chippa United home games at the BCM Stadium in East London,” BCM executive mayor spokesman Sibusiso Cindi said.
If plans go smoothly the first match in the city could be as soon as November 4, when Chippa host Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We don’t want to rush the officials at the municipality, but we would have ideally liked to open with the Sundowns game. But also, it depends on the readiness of the pitch,” Mzimzi said.
Cindi said BCM were also eyeing the same date.
“If all goes well and according to plan, the first Chippa United game at the BCM Stadium is to be played in November this year.”
With the venue slated to host these matches at the BCM Stadium, already the home of the Border Bulldogs, the municipality would need to see how viable this plan is and decide on how to juggle hosting both rugby and soccer matches at the stadium.
“BCM is to meet and engage with the Border Rugby Union so that the rugby organisation can be formally informed,” Cindi said.
Various criteria, however, would have to be met especially to see that the pitch meets PSL standards. A cursory inspection has already been done with various recommendations made to the municipality.
“We were there four to five weeks ago and now we are waiting for the municipality in East London to give us feedback so we can come and inspect again,” PSL media head Luxolo September said.
With things looking promising, local soccer fans can only live in hope.
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