Midrand derby between Spoilers and Rovers postponed due to another match playing
Midrand LFA chairperson pointed out that it was neither Spoiler's nor Rover's fault for the match delays. Therefore, it was postponed to a date that is to be announced.
Midrand Spoilers’ match against Super Rovers was postponed on February 4 due to a Midrand LFA match stretching into the time the Midrand derby was supposed to commence.
The match between the two rival teams was scheduled to begin at 13:00 at Rabie Ridge Stadium and both teams’ starting lineups were waiting on the touchline for the other game to conclude.
According to Safa, if a team does not arrive or does not have five players on the pitch at the time of kick-off then the following rules apply: 15 minutes or more from the kick-off a walk-over is given – a walkover is a loss of 2–0 to the home side. After the 15-minute waiting period is over, if a team still has not arrived or is not on the pitch, the organisers of the league will need to be informed of the reason for the delay, which should be legitimate, who will then consult with the opponents on the field and the referee and a mutual decision will then be taken.
In light of this rivalry situation, Midrand LFA chairperson Sthembiso Buthelezi was lucky enough to be at the stadium in which both parties, including the referee, agreed that the match should be postponed.
Buthelezi pointed out that it was neither Spoilers nor Rovers’ fault for the match delays. Therefore, it was postponed to a date that is to be announced.
Spoilers chairperson Samuel Maboa applauded the LFA office for the decision of postponing the match as it was going to delay another match taking place at 16:00 between Hawks FC and the visitors from Alex, Rangers FC.
Spoilers left-winger Bonginkosi Ndlovu said, “It is frustrating for us players having to be in full kits ready for this derby only to be told that our match is postponed due to other teams.”
While Spoilers have struggled in the league, sitting in 16th place with 10 points from 12 matches, Rovers are no better, sitting in 12th with 15 points from 12 matches.
In their next league match, Spoilers will welcome Varsity College on February 7 before visiting FC Barcenal at Jabavu Stadium.
Rovers will lock horns with top-four team Brixton Atletico at Cecil Payne Stadium on February 8 before hosting Maladela Mighty Heroes on February 11.
Other Safa Joburg regional league (yellow stream) results from February 4 and 5:
- Wolfs 1–0 Ma-Africa
- Brixton Atletico 2–1 Double Touch
hungry Lions 2–0 Indlovu - Hawks 1–1 Rangers
- Malandela Mighty Heroes 3–1 Diepsloot Arsenal
- FC Munich 0–1 Opopo
- Varsity College 2–0 Prestige Football Academy
- Apaa 4–1 Alex Black Poison
- Prestige Football Academy 0–1 Hawks
- Alex Black Poison 1–1 Varsity College
- FC Barcenal 2–3 Malandela Mighty Heroes
- Apaa 0–2 FC Munich.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/317308/box-to-box-midfielder-remains-calm/
