Zimpapers Logo

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
CRACK South African side Mamelodi Sundowns have abandoned their trip to Zimbabwe. They were expected to arrive this afternoon ahead of their planned three international friendly matches against the country’s traditional giants. They will now take their pre-season preparations to Zambia, according to an official from the South African giants.

The Brazilians, reigning Absa Premiership champions, were set to play against Bulawayo giants Highlanders at Barbourfields Stadium on Sunday before engaging Caps United and Dynamos in their next two matches.

Amid uncertainty over the matches after the Premier Soccer League refused to sanction the match due to fixture congestion, Mamelodi Sundowns, who had reportedly done their bookings and were set to jet in this afternoon at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo, chose not to let the mishap disrupt their preparations and chose to redirect their plane to Zambia.

“We are now going to Zambia although I am not sure of the teams that the squad will play against, just try and call tomorrow (today) morning and talk to Thulani as he is ouxt attending the memorial service for Joas Magolego,” said a lady who answered the Brazilians’ office landline yesterday afternoon.

Thulani Thuswa is the communications co-ordinator for Mamelodi Sundowns while Magolego is a former club skipper who passed on last week.

Highlanders’ chief executive officer Ndumiso Gumede confirmed that their high profile international friendly with Sundowns is now off.
“The PSL did not sanction the match. It’s unfortunate that Ndebele (Kennedy) was not around when we had a discussion over the matter.

However, what pains me most is that he says, in his letter, that none of those Harare people whom we were with is confirming our meeting. Really what kind of people are there?” said Gumede.

The meeting was attended by Dynamos secretary Webster Chikengezha, Gumede representing Highlanders, Peter Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns) and Twine Phiri in his capacity as the PSL president.

Ndebele on Tuesday said that the league was no longer going to sanction any more friendly matches and has also resolved against taking the traditional mid-season break.

Zimbabwe will be playing host to the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Games which will be held in Bulawayo in December.

Renovations for the games will see Barbourfields and Luveve Stadiums being shut down later in the year.