MABHIDA UP FOR ‘DOUBLE HEADER’

MOSES Mabhida Stadium is fit enough to host two matches in two days, so says the iconic venue’s groundsman Sifiso Mazibuko.

The World Cup stadium will host backto-back Telkom Knockout quarterfinals matches this weekend. First up will be home side AmaZulu who will lock horns with Orlando Pirates on Saturday (6pm). The next day at Kaizer Chiefs will square off against SuperSport United at 3.30pm.

Mazibuko is confident they will host the two matches with success.

“We are ready for two matches. We will have enough time between the two matches. All you need is six hours to prepare for the next match to provide the same surface as the first match,” Mazibuko said.

The good news is that there are no heavy rains forecast for this weekend.

According to the South African Weather Services, Saturday will be “sunny and partly cloudy” while Sunday is expected to be “sunny and cloudy”.

“Back to back matches are not an issue. We have hosted numerous of those. We have hosted two matches in one day at the venue without any issues before.

“No damages happened. We even hosted two rugby matches where the Springbok (B-team) played against the French Barbarians. Before that game there was a curtain raiser. The pitch will be in a right condition for both matches. We don’t want complaints.”

Both matches expected to attract huge turn-outs as having the country’s biggest two sides in town in the same weekend is rare. | Minenhle Mkhize