Sportsmanship at its best from SuperSport
JOBURG - SuperSport has relinquished its stadium booking to Mamelodi Sundowns so they can play their Caf Champions League semi-final second leg tie on 24 September.
SuperSport United has exhibited unparalleled sportsmanship by handing over their booking for the Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria, to crosstown rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Brazilians found themselves in an awkward situation when they had no booked stadium for their Confederation of African Football (Caf) Champions League semi-final second leg tie against Zambia’s Zesco United on 24 September. SuperSport immediately applied to the Premier Soccer League, asking for a venue change for their league encounter against Free State Stars which was initially scheduled for the same stadium on the same day and time of the Sundowns match.
The league granted SuperSport their wish and switched their game to King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi, Durban.
SuperSport United CEO, Stan Matthews confirmed that they were under no obligation to relinquish their booking of Lucas Moripe Stadium for their fixture to make way for the Sundowns game but felt it was the right thing to do for their neighbours.
“I can’t pretend that we are happy about the situation as it is disruptive to our coach’s plans, our players, our supporters, our sponsors and our budget. But sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and we truly want to support Sundowns in their quest for African glory, which will benefit the standing of the league as a whole,” Matthews said. “Maybe this will mean additional qualifying spots down the line if Sundowns can win the final.” He added that he hoped their gesture would give Downs the added extra motivation to reach the final where they could fly the SA flag high.
He apologised to those supporters and stakeholders who would not be able to make it to the game in Durban, and also thanked Free State Stars and the league for their positive and helpful approach in assisting Sundowns in solving their administrative problem.
SuperSport said their supporters who had already purchased tickets for Lucas Moripe Stadium would be afforded the opportunity to use their tickets to gain entry at the eThekwini venue.
Also read: No fear for UJ in Varsity Football final
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
