DURBAN - The unruly behaviour of Kaizer Chiefs fans won’t jeopardise the relationship between the club and the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Chiefs and the stadium management signed a three-year deal at the start of the season that sees Amakhosi play some of their home matches at the iconic Durban arena.
But on Saturday night, Chiefs followers went on the rampage as they vented their anger following the club's 2-0 defeat by Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup.
READ MORE: PICS: Spectators run amok in Durban after Kaizer Chiefs defeat
They initially threw an assortment of missiles, including vuvuzelas, on to the pitch and then set some seats on fire while vandalizing a section of the stadium property.
Stadium Manager Vusi Mazibuko said they were still assessing the extent of the damage.
“The damage that was done inside the stadium is huge but the stadium as a whole is functioning. As I speak to you right now, I’m with the resident engineer who will assess the costs of the damage that was caused on the night," Mazibuko explained.
READ MORE: Stadium management say 18 injured in violence following Kaizer Chiefs defeat
"At this stage I can’t predict what the cost is but in 48 hours we will know. But I don’t think this will effect our deal with Chiefs. Such incidents can happen at any stadium and it has happened at various stadiums
The deal between the two parties has already seen Amakhosi play six matches at Mabhida this season and the attendance has generally been better than at their original home in Johannesburg, the FNB Stadium.
“Everyone who knows and follows football knew that if Chiefs lose something like this might happen, but we didn’t anticipate it will be that bad. People must learn to accept defeat in the right manner. People must know that each team has 50/50 chance to win.
"You can have police and security guards but if the mentality doesn’t change, it is the problem. We have to find a way to deal with this,” Mazibuko stated, lamenting the fans' lack of respect.
“Where is the spirit of Ubuntu? Why vandalise the stadium property? Every coach has got his own critics. Everyone can protest but there’s no need to hurt each other. This is starting to be a norm. But we will follow PSL processes and procedures."
PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has called a press conference for today and is expected to explain what the league will do on the violence.