Pirates clash exposes Loftus flaws: Sundowns’ Nedbank clash moved
The poor state of the Loftus Versfeld Stadium pitch, exposed during the recent Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns match, has necessitated a venue change for the Tshwane giants’ upcoming Nedbank Cup tie.
Sundowns welcomed Pirates at Loftus last Saturday in the highly-anticipated Betway Premiership match. Masandawana claimed an impressive 4-1 over Pirates to move nine points clear at the top of the table.
The top-of-the-table clash between Pirates and Sundowns was affected by the bad pitch conditions that posed injury concerns for players from both teams. In the opening exchanges of the match, Pirates players slipped on many occasions, which affected their usual free-flowing football.
During the cooling break in the first half, Pirates players changed soccer boots to have a better balance and grip on the pitch.
The conditions of the pitch were a topic of discussion, with Pirates coach Jose Riveiro and Sundowns’ mentor Miguel Cardoso agreeing that the field was difficult to play in. Cardoso revealed that the greenkeeper worked on the pitch prior to the game to improve its condition, stating: “Otherwise, it could have been worse”.
SUNDOWNS’ MATCH AGAINST MPHENI HOME DEFENDERS MOVED TO LUCAS MORIPE STADIUM
After the big uproar about the pitch over the weekend, Sundowns will play their Nedbank Cup last 16 encounter against Mpheni Home Defenders at Lucas Moripe Stadium instead of Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The change of venue was announced by the PSL on Tuesday.
Sundowns will play the Limpopo-based side on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 15h00. In the first round of the competition, Sundowns beat Sibanye Golden Stars FC 5-2 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Tshwane side is looking to win the Nedbank after losing in the final last season. They suffered a 2-1 defeat against Pirates.
Having proven to be one of the strongest sides in SA football, Sundowns stand a good chance of going all the way to win the trophy.
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