Pirates’ Nedbank Cup foe revealed after arbitration drama
The SAFA Mpumalanga opponents that are set to take on defending champions Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 have finally been confirmed.
The confirmation of the club has been delayed due to an arbitration case between Middleburg United and Crystal Lake.
Middleburg had lodged a complaint against Crystal Lake for using what they say is improper Physio during a qualification match. Crystal Lake had won the match 1-0.
The matter sat before Advocate Zwane on Thursday, 8 February, for deliberations. FARPost can now confirm that the case was dismissed with costs, meaning Crystal Lake from Bushbuckridge will take on the Buccaneers on Saturday. Crystal Lake FC participates in the HoolywoodsBets Men’s Regional League in Ehlanzeni.
ORLANDO PIRATES LEARN OF THEIR OPPONENTS WITH SEVEN DAYS TO GO
“We did receive the summary of the ruling. But we are still waiting for the reasons for the ruling. But the ruling was sent to us on Saturday afternoon confirming that the matter has been dismissed with costs, meaning that Middleburg United have lost their referral for arbitration with costs,” explained SAFA Mpumalanga Secretary Bevan Mahlangu.
“I can say we are relieved that the outcome was finally given, but I am not happy at all that our team will only have seven days to prepare.”
Mahlangu has also ruled out any possibility of a court case from the Middleburg United side.
“No, the arbitrator decision is final as per the Nedbank Cup regulations,” he said.
The Nedbank Cup last 32 will commence on Tuesday, 20 February when Mamelodi Sundowns travel to La Masia.
FULL LIST OF THE NEDBANK CUP LAST 32 FIXTURES
Tuesday, 20 February
NB La Masia V Mamelodi Sundowns
Dobsonville Stadium
SuperSport United V Cape Town City
Lucas Moripe Stadium
Wednesday, 21 February
Highlands Park v Sekhukhune United
Dobsonville Stadium
University of Pretoria v Cape Town Spurs
Tuks Stadium
Thursday, 22 February
AmaZulu FC v Royal AM
King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
Friday, 23 February
Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy
Mpumalanga Stadium
Stellenbosch v Pretoria Callies
Danie Craven Stadium
Saturday, 24 February
JDR Stars v Hungry Lions
Soshanguve Giant Stadium
Platinum City Rovers v Moroka Swallows
Isak Steyl Stadium
Ravens v Spain
Princess Magogo Stadium
Crystal Lake v Orlando Pirates
Mbombela
Richards Bay v Polokwane City
King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium
Sunday, 25 February
D’General v Madridtas
Free State Stadium
Maritzburg United v Paarl United
Princess Magogo Stadium
NC Pro’s v Chippa United
Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium
Kaizer Chiefs v Milford FC
FNB Stadium
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