FARPost has learnt that the MTN8 clash between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates is set to be postponed due to the weather conditions in Cape Town.
The Citizens were scheduled to host the Buccaneers for the initial leg of the semi-final at the DHL Stadium on Tuesday, 27 August at 19:00.
This publication understands that the match will now take place on Wednesday at 18:00 due to ongoing heavy rain and wind conditions in the Mother City.
“The game is set to be postponed because of weather conditions,” said the source. “They say it will resume tomorrow at 6.”
WEATHER CONDITIONS CHALLENGES IN CAPE TOWN
Weather conditions have posed challenges in Cape Town during the past few weeks, as clubs have been busy with their preseason preparations. Eric Tinkler [CT City coach] and Steve Barker [Stellenbosch FC coach] have both mentioned the impact of the weather.
While the World Rugby U20 Championship, which was played at stadiums used for top-flight football, affected the condition of the fields, heavy rain has also been a significant factor.
Stellenbosch FC have had to move to Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, hosting their CAF Champions League and MTN8 second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The second leg between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 31 August at Orlando Stadium at 15:00. The Jose Riveiro-led side will be aiming to hoist the trophy for the third time consecutively having won the previous two competitions.
Meanwhile, City last won the MTN8 in 2018 under the leadership of Benni McCarthy and were last in the final in 2021, losing at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.
SECOND SEMI-FINAL
The second semi-final will see Sundowns face off against Stellenbosch FC, battling for the spot in the final. The first leg will be hosted by Masandawana on Wednesday, 28 August at Lucas Moripe Stadium at 19:00.
The return tie will take place on Sunday, 1 August at the Moses Mabhida Stadium at 15:00.
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