League games for Cup finalists postponed

Both Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have had games postponed next week to allow them a full week’s preparation for the MTN8 final.

Clubs officials have confirmed that Sundowns' planned fixture away against Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium in the DStv Premiership Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday, 3 October has been postponed, as well as Orlando Pirates’ trip to Durban to take on AmaZulu on Wednesday, 3 October.

Both clubs will be going down to the coast for the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 7 October.

While the Premier Soccer League has been strict on not allowing clubs to postpone matches ahead of weekend games in African club competition, it is a long-standing tradition that the finalists in major cup competition be given a clear week to prepare for the decider.

Pirates will be going into the final in Durban as defending champions, after beating AmaZulu last year, and have won two of the last three MTN8 finals.

Sundowns won in 2022, edging Cape Town City on post-match penalties in the final for their first success in the top eight tournament since 2007.