Mbombela Stadium draws some big soccer names
For the past few weeks, Mpumalanga fans have shown overwhelming support for the games that took place here
Mbombela Stadium is proving to be no white elephant thanks to a deal that will see the Tshwane-based SuperSport United, play five Premier Soccer League (PSL) fixtures at the venue.
Following the selling of Mpumalanga Black Aces franchise to John Comitis and relocating the team to Cape Town, there were fears that local soccer fans would be left starving for top-flight action, especially soccer.
Aces were the only Mpumalanga-based team in the PSL and they were using the iconic Mbombela Stadium as their home venue.
The team has since, however, relocated to Cape Town after being purchased by Comitis and renamed Cape Town City.
SuperSport are based in Tshwane, but an agreement with the Mbombela Stadium management will be formally signed for five matches to take place here, one of the 2010 World Cup stadiums.
Mthuthuzeli Qamba of Mbombela Stadium management confirmed that a deal will be struck between them and SuperSport United.
“The five matches will feature visiting teams that enjoy some of the strongest support in the country, namely Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits, Ajax Cape Town and Baroka FC,” confirmed Qamba.
Koketso Gaofetege, SuperSport media and communication officer said their negotiations with stadium management were in advanced stages and they will release a formal statement once all the logistics have been finalised.
For the past few weeks, Mpumalanga fans have shown overwhelming support for the games that took place here.
A decent crowd attended the games between the Springboks against Argentina on August 20 and last Friday’s game between Bafana and Mauritania was attended by a crowd of over 12 000.
SuperSport boast an array of soccer players originating from the province in their books. Among them are the likes of former youth international goalkeeper, Dumsani Msibi from Piet Retief and Zakhele Mgobozi from Secunda.
SuperSport United will play against
• Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 (19:00)
• Bidvest Wits on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 (19:00)
• Ajax Cape Town on Saturday, March 4, 2017 (20:15)
• Baroka FC on Sunday April 2, 2017 (15:00)
• Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, April 2017 (18:00)
