The Betway Premiership tie between Golden Arrows and Orlando Pirates, scheduled for Wednesday at the Mpumalanga Stadium, was abruptly called off before kickoff due to a waterlogged pitch.
Torrential rainfall throughout the day in Durban raised concerns about the state of the pitch, and after two inspections, it was confirmed that the turf was unplayable.
Match commissioner George Boodhoo explained the process, noting that the initial inspection at 6:30 PM revealed concerns from the referees about the pitch’s condition.
Despite hopes that conditions might improve before the 7:30 PM kickoff, a second inspection at 7:00 PM showed no significant improvement. The pitch was deemed waterlogged, unsafe, and unsuitable for play, leading to the unanimous decision to abandon the match.
“We did an earlier inspection at half past six and the referees came back and they were unhappy with the situation and because the match kicks off at 19.30, we couldn’t make a decision earlier than that,” Boodhoo told SuperSport TV.
“We were hoping that it improves but a second inspection at seven o’clock revealed that the pitch is waterlogged and it is unsafe and unconducive for football.
“So, the referees in conjunction with me have taken a decision, the pitch is unplayable and the match is abandoned.”
Efforts by the stadium staff, who worked diligently to clear the water using brooms and the drainage system, were ultimately unsuccessful in making the pitch playable. As a result, the game could not proceed as planned.
The timing of the postponement has raised questions about when the match will be rescheduled. Boodhoo stated that the decision on when the match will be played next lies with the PSL, who have not provided an immediate response.
The PSL is expected to announce the new date for the fixture in the coming days, with a replay or restart likely, though the final decision has yet to be confirmed.
“The PSL will take a decision in terms of the outcome of the match. Most probably it might be a replay, a restart,” added Boodhoo.
“That is what I would expect but it is not totally pulled off the calendar. It has to be played some day.”
This delay leaves Orlando Pirates with three outstanding matches in the league. Currently sitting second on the Betway Premiership table, they trail Mamelodi Sundowns who have a 12 point lead over Pirates.
Orlando Pirates confirmed the abandonment via their official X account, saying: “Tonight’s fixture vs Golden Arrows has been officially abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Mpumalanga Stadium. The match will be rescheduled, with a new date to be determined by the league.”
Orlando Pirates will be in action this weekend against Cape Town City in the Betway Premiership. Kick off at Orlando Stadium is set for 15:30 on Saturday, 22 February 2025.