Stadium Management CEO Bertie Grobbelaar has shed light on the change room situation that arose before the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium. The stadium, usually the home ground of Kaizer Chiefs, hosted the clash between the Buccaneers and the Brazilians.
Sundowns found themselves using a different change room, located further from the tunnel leading to the pitch. Despite this challenge, Pirates emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, thanks to Relebohile Mofokeng’s brace. Khuliso Mudau scored for Sundowns in the exciting match that kicked off slightly late.
In an interview on Radio 2000, Grobbelaar clarified the reason behind Sundowns’ use of an alternate change room. He mentioned that there was no malicious intent and that the situation was part of an agreement with Orlando Pirates. The stadium management had renovated an old change room to make it available for the club, following discussions and agreements.
Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso expressed his discontent with playing the game on a Sunday instead of Saturday. Originally scheduled for Orlando Stadium, the venue and date were changed as per the PSL’s decision. Grobbelaar emphasized that the stadium was simply following directives from the League and had no control over scheduling.
Despite the preference for a Saturday game for better attendance, FNB Stadium accommodated the match on the available date. Grobbelaar mentioned receiving correspondence from the club inquiring about dates, with the PSL later confirming the match for the 16th.
Overall, the change room confusion and scheduling adjustments were part of the process of organizing the high-stakes match between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. The stadium management ensured compliance with regulations and agreements while accommodating the requirements of the participating teams.
