PSL postpones fixtures ahead of MTN8 final

THE Premier Soccer League has postponed midweek matches ahead of next weekend’s MTN8 final featuring Downs and Wits – just one week after refusing Mamelodi Sundowns the same privilege ahead of their African Champions League semifinals.

The PSL on Friday announced that Wednesday’s matches involving Sundowns against Bloemfontein Celtic and Wits away to Ajax Cape Town would be postponed to allow both sides to better prepare for the final at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday ‚ October 1.

The decision is not unexpected but is at odds with the PSL’s unexplained refusal to postpone Sundowns ’ matches ahead of their African Champions League assignment with Zesco United.

Sundowns wanted more time to prepare for both legs of the semifinal and had asked the PSL for a postponement.

But it was refused and they had to play Maritzburg United away last Wednesday before going to Ndola at the weekend, where they lost 2-1. Then they played Chippa United at home this Wednesday‚ ahead of yesterday ’ s second leg against the Zambian club at Atteridgeville.

PSL spokesman Lux September did not answer queries about the discrepancy.

When Orlando Pirates played both key group matches and knockout games in the 2013 CAF Champions League and the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup, they were granted a raft of postponements – but the same courtesy was not extended to Sundowns.

This despite the club being wellplaced to deliver glory to South African football and needing assistance to be better prepared.

Had Sundowns played next Wednesday against Celtic – who have been their bogey team over the last two seasons – they would have amassed a total of seven matches within three-weeks.

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