BidVest Wits, once the only professional soccer club to own their own ground, have become “wandering gypsies” according to head coach Roger de Sa, after they have been forced to play their opening Absa Premiership home match against champions SuperSport United at Ellis Park on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm.
It is the second time the match venue was switched this week. The PSL announced on Monday the fixture would be played at Dobsonville Stadium due to Wits’ home ground, Milpark Stadium, being closed for renovations.
PSL chief operations officer Ronnie Schloss, who is also in charge of stadiums, confirmed the Ellis Park venue for the game.
“There are safety concerns as there is still construction at the stadium and we could not permit the stadium being used for PSL matches until it is finished. It could take another two or three weeks to complete,” said Schloss.
Schloss would not be drawn on why the match venue was switched twice in a week, but it appears the PSL have scored an own goal by not affording the home team the opportunity to look for an alternative venue, instead telling them to play United at Dobsonville without consulting them.
Said De Sa: “We were told by the league to play at Dobsonville, but we said no way. It is our call as a home side to nominate another venue if our home ground is unavailable, not for the PSL to nominate one for us.
“Our sponsors, BidVest, have an alliance with Ellis Park who have been negotiating with the club to play our bigger matches [against Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates] at Ellis Park, so if Milpark is not available we will play at Ellis Park.
“It is also the nearest ground to Milpark.”
De Sa said the loser was Wits and the PSL. “It is disappointing. We now have the first league match of the season featuring the PSL champions and Wits as Nedbank Cup winners being played in front of what I reckon will be a fairly empty stadium. We will get about 3 000 fans at Ellis Park.”
Ellis Park has a capacity of about 60 000 compared with Milpark’s 5 000.
Surprise
De Sa said he was surprised by the fact the PSL had closed Milpark Stadium. “We upgraded the change rooms in the off-season and that construction work is completed.
“Now we could become travelling gypsies like the other clubs in the PSL.”
De Sa said he had no problem with the stadium being closed if it failed to meet safety regulations, but he was keen to see the rule book regulating the use and standard of stadiums by the PSL.
“We need to have a standard for all stadiums. Last season we played at the Germiston Stadium and had to change 200m from the pitch. There is no security at that venue.
“The stadium in Bethlehem is not much better. But I am not here to argue, but rather Wits will obey the PSL and I will make sure I have my best side out on the pitch at 3pm at Ellis Park on Saturday ready to play the champions.”
De Sa said he was glad the wait was over and he and his players are eager to get back to action. “Frankly we are tired of playing friendly matches as it is difficult to gauge strengths and weaknesses.
“But the fact we play the champions is the best test of all. By 5pm on Saturday I will know where we stand.”
De Sa watched United lose on a penalty shoot-out to Moroka Swallows in Dobsonville in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 competition last weekend and said United will be one of the sides to beat.
“They are not a pretty side to watch, but they are effective and know how to win.” — Sapa