Kaizer Chiefs would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the vibrant community of Dobsonville and supporters from across Soweto, Gauteng, as well as the rest of South Africa for transforming Dobsonville Stadium into a fortress during their CAF Confederation Cup clash against AS Simba on Sunday.

The Glamour Boys triumphed 3-1 over the Congolese side in the second-leg of the second preliminary round of this season’s competition, securing their spot in the group stages.

“We would truly like to thank the community of Dobsonville, including supporters from the rest of Soweto, as well as others from Gauteng province and those who travelled from other provinces for making sure that Dobsonville Stadium became a stronghold on Sunday when we faced AS Simba in our last preliminary round match,” says Vina Maphosa, Kaizer Chiefs Corporate Communications Manager.

Maphosa described the atmosphere as electric and deeply moving, crediting the local residents, business owners, police and taxi drivers for their warm hospitality, cooperation and spirited support during the planning of the match and on event day.

“From when we drove into Dobsonville on Sunday, all the residents and local businesses were cooperative and embraced our thousands of supporters. Young and old waved as the bus transporting the team drove in and out of ‘Dobsie’. A sight for sore eyes indeed,” he adds.

The overwhelming support played a crucial role in helping Amakhosi advance to the next stage of the competition. The draw for the group stages is scheduled for Monday, and anticipation is building among South African supporters to see who Amakhosi will face.

While many have called for more CAF matches to be hosted at Dobsonville Stadium, Amakhosi clarified that CAF regulations require a Category 3 stadium rating for group stage fixtures. Unfortunately, Dobsonville Stadium currently holds only a Category 2 rating.

South Africa boasts 10 stadiums that meet CAF’s Category 3 criteria. Kaizer Chiefs will announce the venues for their three home matches in the group stages following Monday’s draw which will be conducted in Johannesburg by CAF.

“We will continue to use the Dobsonville stadium for most of our DStv Diski Challenge home matches. We therefore encourage locals to keep supporting the Reserve side when we play our DDC matches at the stadium. Where possible, we will also consider the venue for other events that involve the senior team in the future,” concludes Maphosa.

Amakhosi Supporters are encouraged to follow our platforms for updates as we prepare to take on Africa’s elite in the next chapter of the continental campaign.