Sundowns seeking new venue for Al Ahly tie

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Mar 03, 2022. 13:50

Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to move their CAF Champions League Group A clash against Al Ahly away from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

The Brazilians cannot use the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium or Loftus Versfeld due to new compliance regulations implemented by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) this season.

Sundowns hosted Al Hilal at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in their group opener on February 11, but club officials were critical of the facilities in Rustenburg.

Discussions with Stadium Management SA are ongoing in a bid to have the match staged at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

“They (Sundowns) have been in discussions with us regarding this match but nothing has been finalised yet,” Stadium Management CEO Bertie Grobbelaar told TimesLIVE.

“I am waiting for Sundowns officials to come back to us but in all probability the match is going to take place at FNB Stadium.”

Masandawana co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi confirmed after their 3-0 win over TS Galaxy on Wednesday that a new venue is being explored.

“We are looking at trying other stadiums for the Al Ahly game based on the condition that Royal Bafokeng Stadium was in the last time around but nothing is yet confirmed,” Mngqithi said.

“We are hopeful that we will play that match somewhere else except Royal Bafokeng, it is just a matter of time before CAF responds to our wish and we will them take it from there.”