Downs find alternative venue for CAF clash

Mamelodi Sundowns have found an alternative venue for the club's CAF Champions League clash against TP Mazembe. 

KickOff broke the story that Sundowns were in a frantic search for an alternative venue for Saturday’s second leg CAF Champions League fixture after they were forced to make way for a Vodacom United Rugby Championship.  

The Vodacom Bulls are set to host DHL Stormers at the Loftus Versfeld stadium on Saturday.

More reports emerged on Wednesday that Sundowns had made a request to use FNB Stadium for their match, but would clash with Kaizer Chiefs' DStv Premiership match against Moroka Swallows on Saturday at the same venue.

Speaking on SNAWA, Stadium Management’s Bertie Grobbelaar explained why the Brazilians could not use FNB Stadium.

"As Stadium Management South Africa, we support football and we will always try to assist South African clubs with venue availability, and hosting of fixtures at the venues we manage," Grobbelaar said, offering clarity on the matter.

"In this instance, we were approached by the management of Mamelodi Sundowns on the possibility to host their upcoming CAF fixture on the 2nd of March at the FNB Stadium.

"I must say we have a very good working relationship with Mamelodi Sundowns and the management and we really tried to find a way to assist with this request.

"Unfortunately, Kaizer Chiefs are playing a PSL fixture (vs Swallows) on the 2nd of March and another fixture on the 5th of March, and as you know Orlando Pirates will host the Soweto Derby on the 9th of March.

"Due to the congestion of these upcoming fixtures, there's unfortunately no way we can assist with this request (from Sundowns) and it was communicated to the management of Sundowns."

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