The knockout match was set to take place on Saturday but has now been postponed to a future date, as an Under 17 Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria is scheduled for the afternoon.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) decided to call off the game between the Pretoria giants and the Limpopo-based side, as it is not in a position to host two high-profile matches on the same pitch on the same day.

On Friday night, the PSL confirmed that the Nedbank Cup quarter-final would no longer go ahead as planned on Saturday.

Iqraam Rayners. Photo: Morgan Piek

“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 quarter-final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United.

“The stadium was secured under a detailed agreement (the stadium agreement), which granted the League exclusive control of the venue before and on match day, with all arrangements in place for the fixture.

“Unfortunately, the Premier Soccer League (PSL) only became aware today –through social media reports – that the stadium had also accepted a booking for an Under 17 Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifier, scheduled to kick off at 15:00.

“The PSL urgently raised the matter, including demanding confirmation that the stadium agreement would be upheld. Should this not be the case, the League would have no choice but to consider the agreement as having been breached.”

The PSL further stated player safety was a key reason for postponing the crucial cup tie.

“More importantly, all 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 – were planned in accordance with the stadium agreement.

“No planning had been done with the expectation of another event on the same day. Proceeding with the match under such circumstances would be reckless and would jeopardise the safety and security of Nedbank, the participating teams, Safa match officials, the public, and League staff.

Kutlwano Letlhaku, Arthur Sales and Mothobi Mvala. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The League will conduct a full investigation to determine 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 has yet to confirm the new date for the rescheduled match.

Meanwhile, on Saturday at 15:00, SuperSport United will take on the defending champions, Orlando Pirates, at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. Later, at 18:00, Stellenbosch FC will face Kaizer Chiefs at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. On Sunday (9/3) at 15:00, Durban City FC will go up against Bloemfontein-based Marumo Gallants at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg