City is committed to building a viable and inclusive home for soccer

The City of Cape Town is committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive space for all its residents, sporting codes and cultures.

We also have a responsibility to make the Cape Town Stadium a financially viable venue.

We have therefore supported an event proposal for Kaizer Chiefs to play three of their home matches during this season at the Cape Town Stadium.

This event proposal will be tabled at full Council for final approval and I will recommend that we approve Kaizer Chiefs hosting Bidvest Wits on 19 December 2015, Platinum Stars on 24 January 2016, and Supersport United on 20 February 2016 in Cape Town.

For years, Amakhosi have played at stadiums across the country in order to bring the team closer to their national fan base in all the provinces.

We know that there are thousands of loyal and enthusiastic Kaizer Chiefs supporters in Cape Town.

And so, after carefully considering the various proposals, the City’s Special Events Committee has recommended approval for Kaizer Chiefs to play three of their matches in Cape Town.

It is common knowledge that Kaizer Chiefs enjoys huge media and public interest and we are therefore confident that these matches will be enjoyed by thousands of loyal fans.

Their three matches at the Cape Town Stadium are expected to bring in thousands of spectators for each game.

The proposed agreement forms part of a one-year contract with an option to cancel or renew for a further two years.

We have a duty to use our stadium to promote public events that are for the benefit of the people of Cape Town.

Nothing will hinder Ajax Cape Town from playing their home matches at the Cape Town Stadium in line with the three-year agreement they have signed with the City.

We live in a diverse city and it is only right that we form partnerships with stakeholders that reflect this diversity and that provide opportunities to use our beautiful stadium.

We will continue to honour our existing agreements while also exploring other worthwhile partnerships.

The City remains committed to making the Cape Town Stadium financially viable, supporting our vibrant sports base, and celebrating all cultures as we continue to build an inclusive, opportunity city.

Thank you, baie dankie, enkosi.

 Issued by Zara Nicholson, Spokesperson for Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille, 10 September 2015