Nedbank Cup
By Sello Masilo
The Nedbank Cup quarter-final clash between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United has been postponed due to a double booking at Lucas Moripe Stadium, which was also scheduled to host an Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) announced the decision to postpone the match on Friday after it was discovered that the stadium had accepted another booking for the same date.
This unexpected scheduling conflict has sparked outrage among fans and football stakeholders, with questions being raised about administrative oversight. The PSL has assured that the matter is under urgent review, and a new date for the fixture will be announced soon.
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PSL Confirms Postponement Amid Scheduling Chaos
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) issued an official statement confirming the postponement of the Nedbank Cup quarter-final fixture number 27 between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, which was set to take place at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
According to the PSL, the venue had been secured in accordance with a detailed stadium agreement that granted the league exclusive control over the facility before and on match day. However, it later emerged that the stadium had accepted a booking for an Under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier to be played at 15:00 on the same day.
The PSL expressed its disappointment and frustration, stating that the league had not been informed about the scheduling conflict until reports surfaced on social media.
The statement read:
“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.”
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Lack of Confirmation from Stadium Authorities
Following the revelation, the PSL urgently raised concerns with the stadium authorities, demanding confirmation that the terms of the stadium agreement would be upheld. The PSL warned that if the agreement was violated, it would be forced to accept that the contract had been repudiated.
Despite the league’s efforts to seek clarity, no confirmation was received from the Lucas Moripe Stadium management. This lack of communication left the PSL with no choice but to cancel the stadium agreement and postpone the fixture.
The league emphasized that the Nedbank Cup rules do not allow for two matches to be held at the same venue within a short time frame, as it would be logistically impossible to accommodate both events.
Additionally, the PSL highlighted the safety and security concerns surrounding the match, noting that all planning had been done based on the assumption that no other event would take place on the same day. The league cited the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA) and engagements with SAPS and security officials as part of their pre-match safety planning.
“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 statement added.
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Fan Backlash and Disappointment
The postponement has angered supporters of both Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, many of whom had already purchased tickets and made travel arrangements.
Disgruntled fans took to social media to express their frustration:
• “How do you double book a stadium for two major fixtures on the same day? This is a huge embarrassment for South African football!”
• “This is completely unprofessional. Fans travel long distances to watch these games. Now we are left stranded!”
The PSL has since urged all ticket holders to keep their tickets safe, as they will be valid for the rescheduled fixture. A new date and venue will be announced soon.
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Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United React
Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United have expressed disappointment over the last-minute fixture change.
Mamelodi Sundowns, who were looking to continue their strong run in the Nedbank Cup, issued a brief statement acknowledging the PSL’s decision and urging fans to remain patient.
“While we are disappointed by the postponement, we understand the PSL’s position. We will continue with our preparations and await the announcement of a new fixture date.”
Sekhukhune United also expressed frustration, particularly given the importance of the quarter-final stage in the tournament. The club’s spokesperson stated:
“This is an unfortunate situation, but we will remain focused and ready whenever the new date is confirmed.”
Despite their frustration, both teams are now shifting their focus to upcoming league fixtures while awaiting further communication from the PSL.
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Who Is Responsible for the Scheduling Blunder?
The double booking fiasco has raised serious concerns about event coordination and stadium management in South African football. Many are questioning how such a high-profile clash was scheduled for the same venue as an international fixture.
Critics have pointed fingers at:
• Lucas Moripe Stadium management for allegedly failing to adhere to the initial PSL agreement.
• The South African Football Association (SAFA) for not ensuring that their Under-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier did not clash with another major game.
• The PSL’s own administration for not identifying the issue sooner and taking proactive steps to prevent the postponement.
Football analyst Thabo Mokoena criticized the handling of the matter, stating:
“This is a complete mess. It’s unacceptable that fans and teams have to suffer because of administrative incompetence. The PSL and SAFA need to ensure this never happens again.”
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Potential Impact on the Nedbank Cup Schedule
The postponement of the Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Sekhukhune United quarter-final could have a ripple effect on the overall Nedbank Cup schedule.
With the semi-finals set to take place later this month, rescheduling the fixture may pose logistical challenges. The PSL will need to find an available stadium and suitable date that does not interfere with the teams’ DStv Premiership and CAF Champions League commitments.
A PSL insider hinted that the match may be moved to Loftus Versfeld or FNB Stadium, but no final decision has been made.
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PSL Investigating the Matter
The PSL has confirmed that it will launch an investigation into how this scheduling conflict occurred. The league wants to establish whether:
1. The stadium management knowingly breached the initial agreement.
2. There was a failure in communication between SAFA and the PSL.
3. Any corrective measures need to be implemented to prevent similar issues in the future.
The PSL reassured fans that the matter is being taken seriously, and those responsible will be held accountable if any wrongdoing is found.
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