Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed they will host Stade Malien at Loftus
Versfeld Stadium on Friday, March 13 at 8 pm, successfully averting what
could have become a significant venue dilemma.
As previously reported by this publication, the Brazilians were facing a
scheduling conflict with the stadium’s owners, the Blue Bulls, who had
already secured the venue for a United Rugby Championship fixture against
the Stormers on Saturday.
The clash left Sundowns in urgent talks behind the scenes, with two primary
options under consideration: either moving the CAF Champions League
quarterfinal first leg forward by 24 hours or sourcing an alternative venue
in Gauteng that meets CAF requirements.
The solution has now been finalised.
Sundowns will play on Friday night, allowing sufficient turnaround time for
the rugby fixture to proceed as scheduled the following day.
The confirmation brings relief for coach Miguel Cardoso and his technical
team, who were keen to avoid shifting away from their traditional home
ground for a match of such magnitude.
Loftus has often provided Sundowns with a stronghold in continental
competition, and maintaining that familiarity could prove vital in a
high-stakes knockout encounter.
