WEDNESDAY, 11.30AM:
STORM clouds are gathering on the horizon for the Premier Soccer League.
In the latest incident of controversy, the PSL has switched Sunday’s BobSave Superbowl semifinal between premier league outfit Sundowns and First Division squad Seven Stars from Nyanga stadium to Athlone. The PSL had previously declared Nyanga a “fit” venue.
Downs had asked the PSL to change the venue after criticising the state of the pitch. The request was rejected out of hand by the PSL, which later reversed the decision after an on-site inspection of the pitch.
Nyanga Stars, meanwhile, protesting “Sundowns’ bully-boy tactics”, is refusing to abide by the decision on the new venue. Said Stars boss Rob Moore: “This is our home match and we’re not going to let [the PSL] rob us of the advantage of playing in front of our own fans.”
THe PSL is already involved in a dispute with Sundowns, who are demanding full points after their first-round 1-1 draw against Vaalo Professionals. Downs argue that Pros fielded a defaulter for the match — Rabbie Nkoane should have been under suspension at the time.
Last week, the PSL and Sundowns jointly appealed to the SA Football Association against a PSL disciplinary committee ruling on the Pros protest. Safa dismissed the appeal, and Sundowns MD Natasha Tsichlas says Downs will take the case to arbitration and, if necessary, to the high court.