Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs – Mamelodi Sundowns will now host Kaizer Chiefs at the Lucas Moripe Stadium after the match was moved from Loftus Versfeld due to a clash with a rugby fixture.
The highly anticipated PSL encounter, set for Saturday, 1 March, was originally scheduled to take place at Loftus Versfeld. However, the stadium will be occupied by a United Rugby Championship match between the Blue Bulls and the Stormers on the same afternoon, forcing Sundowns to shift their fixture to nearby Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
Mixed Reactions to the Venue Change
As the official home ground of the Blue Bulls, Loftus Versfeld prioritised the rugby match, leaving Sundowns to find an alternative venue. The move to Lucas Moripe Stadium, which has a 28,900-seater capacity, has its pros and cons.
On one hand, Sundowns will have to contend with lower gate collections, as Loftus Versfeld, with a 51,762 capacity, was expected to be sold out for the big match. However, on the other hand, Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso will be pleased with the switch, as he previously criticised the Loftus pitch after their 4-1 win over Orlando Pirates earlier this month. The surface was in poor condition due to a prior rugby fixture, making it difficult for both teams to play their usual passing game.
Sundowns’ Recent Success at Lucas Moripe Stadium
Sundowns will not feel too out of place at Lucas Moripe Stadium, having already enjoyed success at the venue this month. They thrashed SuperSport United 3-0 in the Tshwane Derby and dismantled TS Galaxy 4-1 at the same ground last weekend.
This familiarity could give them a psychological edge as they look to extend their dominance over Chiefs.
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs Tickets Sold Out Rapidly
Mamelodi Sundowns announced that tickets for the match went on sale on Monday, priced at R40 for adults and R15 for children. Remarkably, within hours, all tickets were sold out, underscoring the intense rivalry between these two football giants and the high demand for this fixture. The 28,900-seater Lucas Moripe Stadium is expected to be at full capacity, creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans and players alike.
Can Chiefs End Their Dismal Run Against Sundowns?
The odds are stacked against Amakhosi heading into this match. Sundowns are unbeaten in their last 11 meetings against Chiefs, winning nine and drawing two. Chiefs’ last victory over the Brazilians came in April 2021.
This season, Sundowns have already beaten Chiefs twice—first with a 2-1 league win in September, followed by a 4-0 demolition in the Telkom Knockout in November, both played at FNB Stadium.
Final Thoughts
The change in venue adds an interesting twist to an already thrilling encounter. While Sundowns might miss the larger crowd at Loftus Versfeld, they will be playing on a pitch they are comfortable with. Chiefs, on the other hand, will need to rise to the occasion if they are to end their miserable run against Masandawana.
Can Amakhosi finally turn the tide, or will Sundowns’ dominance continue? Fans will be eagerly watching when these giants clash at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Related article: Who to Blame After Kaizer Chiefs’ Embarrassing Loss to Mamelodi Sundowns?
