PSL postpones Nedbank Cup quarterfinal between Sundowns and Sekhukhune

The Premier Soccer League has been forced to postpone Saturday's Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United due to a double-booking by Lucas Moripe Stadium. 

The PSL confirmed dates, venues and kickoff times for this stage of the tournament last week with Sundowns scheduled to have hosted Sekhukhune at 8pm on Saturday. 

But it emerged on Friday the stadium will host a Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria at the same venue with the match kicking off at 3pm. 

In the statement, the PSL said no planning was done on the basis of another event taking place on Saturday at the venue and because of that they were left with no choice but to postpone the match. 

“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. 

“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 PSL learnt 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 3pm. 

“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 within an envisaged time frame. 

“More importantly, all of the safety arrangements for the match including categorisation 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 said they will investigate the matter and advise on the new date at a later stage. 

“The League will investigate the matter fully to establish how this situation arose. Unfortunately, under these circumstances the league has been left with no option but to cancel the stadium agreement and postpone tomorrow’s match. 

“The PSL extends an apology to all stakeholders of the beautiful game who were preparing to watch the quarterfinal tomorrow. The League will deal responsibly with the rescheduling of the match in compliance with the law and the league compliance manual and the public will be kept informed.”