Motsepe League National Playoffs postponed due to water shortage
Drama continues to unfold at the 2024/25 SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs. A severe water shortage at Giant Stadium has forced the postponement of matchday three, adding another twist to the highly anticipated tournament.
The highly anticipated clash between Mpumalanga’s The Bees FC and Zizwe United from Western Cape, initially scheduled for 3 PM today at Giant Stadium, has been called off due to the ongoing water shortage.
This crucial encounter has been rescheduled to Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, with kick-off set for 10 AM on Friday, July 4, 2025.
The Bees have already secured their spot in the semi-finals after their 1-0 victory over Midlands Wanderers (KZN) yesterday afternoon. Zizwe, however, needs at least a draw or a win against The Bees to advance to the tournament’s semi-finals.
According to SAFA, the local municipality deemed Giant Stadium a health risk due to the severe water problems affecting the region, preventing today’s match from proceeding. Both teams were reportedly already at the stadium, ready for play, when the decision was made.
THE DRAMA BEFORE THE MATCH POSTPONEMENT BETWEEN THE BEES AND ZIZWE UNITED
Adding to the chaos before the eventual postponement, Kakamas Juventus from the Northern Cape invaded the pitch at Soshanguve Giant Stadium and began warming up. Security officials were reportedly unsuccessful in their attempts to remove them.
Kakamas Juventus, already eliminated from the ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs under the amended rules, insisted they needed to play against a Limpopo representative this afternoon, despite their current standing in the tournament.
Limpopo and Eastern Cape have been excluded from the playoffs due to ongoing legal battles.
However, Juventus, after hearing that SAFA has moved the Bees and Zizwe match to Lucas Moripe, also left the Giant Stadium.
SAFA Northern Cape was also at the stadium in support of Juventus, as they raised their concerns with the new format to have seven teams participate in the national playoffs.
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