FARPost has uncovered the real reason behind the cancellation of the Motsepe Foundation Championship clash between Orbit College FC and Lerumo Lions FC, with human error and operational failures emerging as the true causes.
The game between the two clubs was scheduled for Friday, 4 September, at Olympia Park in Rustenburg.
According to the insider, the power went out at the venue, and the former Betway Premiership side, Orbit College, failed to provide a functional backup system to keep the stadium lights operational for the Rustenburg Derby tie.
‘IT WAS A MATTER OF NEGLIGENCE’: SAYS THE SOURCE
“You know, it was a matter of negligence. What happened is that the electricity went off and their generator did not kick in. They were not actually prepared for the backup in case something of this nature happens [power cut],” the source told FARPost.
The source further detailed a series of basic preparation missteps by the home club regarding their stadium infrastructure:
a) Wrong Equipment: The generator on site was too heavy and unsuitable for the facility’s power demand.
b) Fuel Shortage: The backup unit did not have sufficient diesel to power the stadium lights through the match.
c) Zero Pre-Match Testing: A technician confirmed on site that the generator was never tested on matchday despite the team having all day to prepare.
Furthermore, the insider also dismissed claims that bad weather caused the abandonment, labelling it a cover-up for administrative lapses.
“So, the game did not go on. Now, it will be up to the PSL to decide what’s the way forward,” the source added. “But this is definitely a matter of negligence and misconduct from the home team [Orbit College]. It was not a weather issue. One could tell they were trying to hide behind the weather issue. The weather did not affect the game.”
As things stand, Orbit College sit 13th in the standings with just a single point, while Lerumo Lions occupy fourth place with four points. Both teams have played two games.
The PSL Disciplinary Committee is expected to review the referee and match commissioner reports before making a final ruling on whether the fixture will be replayed or not.
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