PSL has revealed the reason for the abrupt postponement of the Nedbank Cup clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, which was set to take place on Saturday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville.
The encounter was one of three Nedbank Cup quarterfinals set for Saturday, with SuperSport United hosting Orlando Pirates at the Old Peter Mokaa Stadium in Polokwane and Stellenbosch FC facing Kaizer Chiefs. at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
However, the Sundowns and Sekhukhune game was postponed after the PSL discovered that the Lucas Moripe Stadium had been double-booked. Despite the PSL securing exclusive rights to the venue via a pre-arranged agreement, the stadium had also accepted a booking for a FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier, scheduled to kick-off about six hours before the Nedbank Cup match.
In a statement released on Friday evening, PSL stated that they immediately challenged the stadium management, demanding confirmation that their original agreement would be honoured. However, no such confirmation was received.
Beyond contractual breaches, the PSL emphasised that hosting two high-profile matches within the stipulated timeframe was logistically impossible, particularly concerning team access and adherence to Nedbank Cup regulations.
In addition, the PSL deemed it “reckless” to proceed, citing a direct threat to the safety and security of all involved.
SUNDOWNS-SEKHUKHUNE NEDBANK CUP CLASH POSTPONED DUE TO STADIUM BOOKING ISSUE
“As supporters, fans and all stakeholders of professional football are aware, Lucas Moripe Stadium was selected as the venue for tomorrow evening’s Nedbank Cup quarterfinal match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United,” reads the PSL statement.
“The stadium was secured in terms of a detailed agreement (the stadium agreement) affording the League exclusive control of the venue prior to and on match day, and all arrangements were in place for the match.
“Unfortunately, the Premier Soccer League [PSL] learned today of social media reports that the stadium had seen fit to accept a booking for an under 17 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier scheduled to kick off at 15h00.
“The PSL raised the issue urgently including demanding confirmation that the stadium agreement would be complied with, failing which the League would have to accept that it had been repudiated. No such confirmation has been forthcoming.
NEDBANK CUP RULES CITED IN POSTPONEMENT
“Quite apart from the requirements of the stadium agreement and the League policies, the Nedbank Cup rules regulating access to the stadium by the participating teams cannot accommodate two matches at the stadium in envisaged timeframe.
“More importantly, all of the safety arrangements for the match, including categorization in terms of SASREA; Event Safety and Security meetings; engagements with SAPS; and implementation of the League’s Safety and Security Manual proceeded in accordance with the stadium agreement.
“No planning was done on the basis of another event on the day of the match. It would consequently be reckless for the League to proceed with the match and in so doing put at risk the safety and security of Nedbank, the participants, SAFA match officials, the public, and the League staff.”
The PSL will announce a rescheduled date for the match as teams continue their pursuit of a Nedbank Cup semifinal berth.
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