Further delay in Nedbank Cup Last 32 Mpumalanga case
Orlando Pirates might only get to know their Nedbank Cup Last 32 opponents from Mpumalanga next Friday, eight days before the fixture scheduled for Mbombela.
This is due to a delay in the ruling of the SAFA arbitration case between Middleburg United and Crystal Lake.
The two clubs met in the provincial playoffs in November last year for a place in the Last 32. HoolywoodsBets Men’s Regional League club Crystal Lake FC won 1-0 against their ABC Motsepe League opponents.
But a protest by Middleburg over the use of what they say is an improper physio has seen the matter reach the SAFA arbitration.
WHY THE DELAY IN THE SAFA MPUMALANGA NEDBANK CUP CASE?
As FARPost reported, the arbitration sat before arbitrator Advocate Zwane on Thursday, 8 February 2024, at 17:30. After a seven-hour deliberation between legal representatives from both teams, the matter was adjourned around 01:00 am on Friday.
This publication has gathered that the legal representatives have been given until Wednesday, 14 February, to submit heads of argument. The arbitrator has also indicated that he would require two days after the heads had been submitted to conclude the matter.
ANOTHER WAIT FOR ORLANDO PIRATES BEFORE THEY KNOW THEIR LAST 32 OPPONENTS
This could mean that, by the latest, Pirates’ opponents will only be confirmed on Friday, 16 February. This is only eight days before the match scheduled to kick-off at 15:00 at the 2010 World Cup stadium takes place.
The PSL on Thursday confirmed the details of the Nedbank Cup’s Last 32 round including the dates, times and venues. But the Buccaneers are the only side that doesn’t know who their opponents are, 22 days since the draw was conducted.
The Last 32 fixtures will commence on Tuesday, 20 February, until Sunday, 25 February.
RELATED STORY: SAFA Mpumalanga issue update on bizarre Nedbank Cup case