Nedbank Cup: Sundowns versus Sekhukhune United fixture postponed

Photo Credit - Sekhukhune United F.C. Media.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) have confirmed the postponement of the eagerly awaited Mamelodi Sundowns versus Sekhukhune United Nedbank Cup quarter-final fixture that was scheduled for Saturday.

The fixture that was set for Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville has been called off after the league body issued a statement stating that the same venue, that was to host the game, had been double booked for a FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Below is the statement from PSL confirming the postponement;

“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.

“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.”

However, other quarter-finals matches set for Saturday - 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 – will go on as planned.