Sisa stadium closure frustrates clubs

THREE Mdantsane clubs have expressed disappointment that once again they will be playing their matches outside the country’s second biggest township as the lock down saga on Sisa Dukashe Stadium continues unabated.

Exactly a month before Chippa United take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Sisa, the municipality continues to deny Mdantsanebased Motsepe League and SAB clubs access to the venue.

The municipality has locked the venue saving it from damage ahead of the aforementioned Chippa match next month.

As such, Tornado FC will lock horns with Mdantsane Mighty Bucks in a Mdantsane derby at the Jan Smuts Stadium in East London at 3pm today.

Also today, at the same venue, Mdantsane side Relatives FC will host Santa United at 1pm.

Tornado and Mighty Bucks coaches Thobela Bikwani and Asanda Mvalo expressed frustration at having to play more than 15km from their home venue.

But both have since accepted the situation.

Mvalo said: “It is disappointing that a Mdantsane derby is taking place outside Mdantsane because not all supporters can afford to travel to Jan Smuts where the game will be at. But the truth is the situation control.”

Bikwani added: “Obviously it will always be good if we play a Mdantsane derby at Sisa as is the tradition but under the lockdown circumstances which we have no control over, we have to make do with whichever venue is availed to us.”

Tornado, the defending Motsepe League champions, will be out for maximum points, said Bikwani, after starting 2017 on a low note with a 2-1 defeat to Lion City last weekend.

But in Mighty Bucks they meet a desperate side still trying to manoeuvre their way out of the relegation zone as they currently lie 14th on the standings. is beyond our

Although Bikwani admitted the encounter will be tough, he was confident his side will emerge victorious to resuscitate their December 2016 spirit when they won all their matches to go into the Christmas break within the top eight.

His counterpart, Mvalo, warned that Tornado should expect a surprise, adding his charges are more than ready.

Other Motsepe League matches played today at 3pm:

WSU v Future Tigers (Ibika Campus, Butterworth), E C Bees v Matta Milan (Bhisho Stadium), Callies FC v City lads (Gelvandale, PE), Matatiele Pros v Mthatha City (Thandanani Stadium, Matatiele).