Mdantsane geared up for historic clash

MDANTSANE’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium is set to make history in hosting its first Premier Soccer League night game when Chippa United entertain defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in what should be a thrilling game on Tuesday, Valentine’s Day.

The venue was declared to have passed the minimum PSL requirements after the Buffalo City metro made a few touch-ups to it last year, paving the way for league games. In December, Dan Malesela’s charges beat Highlands Park 2-0 at Sisa Dukashe in the first game.

Malesela will be hoping to put the African champions to the sword before hosting Golden Arrows 10 days later at the same stadium.

The last confirmed game at the venue will be on May 6, against Ajax Cape Town.

However, with the EC Bees keen to take their Nedbank Cup last 32 encounter against Orlando Pirates to Mdantsane, the Sisa Dukashe Stadium could host another cracking game.

While the PSL gave Sisa Dukashe the thumps up last year, the game against the Brazilians will be the first to be played at night.

All the lights are in a working condition and the pitch is perfect. The groundsmen were putting the final touches to the field yesterday.

Buffalo City mayor Xola Pakati said yesterday it was all systems go for the highly-anticipated clash from 7.30pm.

“In terms of our state of readiness for the Chippa and Sundowns game, we are great,” he said.

“We are happy, because this will be the very first game that will be played at Sisa Dukashe in the evening.

“We are bringing the African and PSL champions to the people of Mdantsane and the greater metro.”

The Chilli Boys are unbeaten in East London and started their Mdantsane venture with a convincing win against Gordon Igesund’s men in December.

The Port Elizabeth team has also enjoyed good support from the top flight starved East London fans.

Pakati said he was hopeful that the metro would continue being a happy hunting ground for Chippa United.

“The Buffalo City metro is their home away from Port Elizabeth. We would like Chippa to win so that more games can be brought to this metro,” Pakati said.

“We are looking forward to the thriller. We are centrally placed in the Eastern Cape so bringing the games to the metro is good.”