Polokwane airport responds to Zamalek’s claims ahead of Chiefs game

Polokwane International Airport has addressed the allegations made by Egyptian giants Zamalek SC, which claimed the facility’s limitations forced the cancellation of the team’s planned direct flight to Limpopo ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Kaizer Chiefs.

The highly anticipated Group D match is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Zamalek reportedly intended to bypass Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) by flying a private charter directly from Cairo to Polokwane. North African reports suggested that the club was compelled to alter these travel plans, citing the “small” size and operational limitations of the Polokwane facility as the reason for the delay and change in itinerary.

Airport Authority Rejects Claims By Zamalek SC

Gateway Airport Authority Limited (GAAL) spokesperson Tshepo Ramokgopa moved swiftly to refute the Egyptian club’s claims, asserting that the airport is fully equipped to handle international air traffic, including the size of aircraft typically used for such chartered flights.

“We are an international airport that accepts or lands international flights on many occasions,” said Ramokgopa as quoted by FARPost. “While we do not host a commercial international airline, we routinely facilitate private chartered flights and international traffic.”

Ramokgopa provided several examples of high-profile international arrivals, noting: “Germany landed here when the minister [of health] was here for the G20 Health Ministry meeting [earlier this month]. We also had the president [Cyril Ramaphosa] landing here on the 18th of November.”

Furthermore, he highlighted the airport’s history of accommodating international sporting teams: “We have had football nations landing here like Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho, Bafana Bafana, Tanzania, and Nigeria when they were playing at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. We therefore have no challenges whatsoever.”

Chiefs Prepare for Recovery

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs are expected to return to South Africa on Tuesday to commence preparations for the crucial home tie. The Soweto giants are looking to rebound quickly after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Al Masry SC in their opening group fixture in Egypt.