City to host more games
Mbombela Stadium will be the centre of attention with two Absa Premiership games billed for next Friday and Saturday.
On Friday March 7, the home team, Mpumalanga Black Aces will host Rustenburg-based Platinum Stars at 20:00.
The next day Pretoria-based side, Tuks FC will entertain Orlando Pirates in what promises to be a great match at 15:30.
Even though it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, Mpumalanga News has learnt that Tuks FC management is seriously looking at all options to bring their home fixture against top-of-the-log Kaizer Chiefs to Mbombela on April 26.
“I guess it will all depend on the availability of the stadium, because rugby games have been scheduled there.
Secondly, if the fixture against Pirates attracts more people to the stadium,
then I have no doubt that management will bring the match there.
“Last year they took a gamble and it paid off handsomely, so chances for the game to be here are huge,” said a source within the Tuks camp.
The source also hinted that Tuks and other PSL teams were reluctant to play at Mbombela because of lack of support.
“Take Aces for instance, they are the only local team in the PSL and yet they are not supported by the people of the province.
How can outside teams confidently risk bringing games there?” the source enquired.
This paper, however, learnt that the stadium management secured a deal with the Tuks FC for a minimum of two games. With regard to the upcoming back-to-back matches, the stadium management was anticipating a busy weekend and a massive turnout.
Speaking on behalf of the stadium, Mthuthuzeli Xamba confirmed the
games and said tickets were already on sale.
“Tickets are selling at R50 and R20 for children under 10. We would like to urge all soccer fanatics to start buying their tickets early. We want to remind them to sit at their allocated seats.
“We are concerned about the poor attendance of supporters at local
matches. We would like to appeal to them to develop the culture of attending games,” he said.
He said two park-and-ride venues would be in use, one being the PTT Hub in town next to the taxi rank and the other at the Riverside Government Complex.
“We are actually anticipating a full house, so all those who want to be part of the games should start buying their tickets now,” he concluded.
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