Black Leopards to face Orlando Pirates on their home ground
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) approved the stadium on Friday much to the delight of supporters
LIMPOPO – Black Leopards will face Orlando Pirates at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Tuesday, 28 August.
El estdio de Thohoyandou #hashamulilo pic.twitter.com/zMGIEf2WfJ
— Black Leopards FC (@lidodaduvha) August 24, 2018
This comes after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) approved the stadium on Friday much to the delight of Leopard fans.
THOHOYANDOU STADIUM 🏟 APPROVED |
We are told the PSL Executive committe today approved the Thohoyandou Stadium to host PSL matches. Black Leopards vs Orlando Pirates #AbsaPrem match on Tuesday 28 August will be played at the Stadium at 19:30. pic.twitter.com/bYbsFDcJSd
— LimSportsZone (@LimSportsZone) August 24, 2018
This comes after supporters were debating whether the stadium will be approved in time to host the match following a visit by PSL executive committee earlier this week.
Update from todays stadium inspection by the PSL. The Proff will submit his report to the Exec Committee tomorrow and we anticipate decision by Thursday at the latest. #hashamulilo pic.twitter.com/xlaMRLJ5wo
— Black Leopards FC (@lidodaduvha) August 21, 2018
The game kicks-off at 19:30 and tickets are available on Computicket.
August 22
Black Leopards are set to face Orlando Pirates on 28 August and supporters are wondering if the stadium will be approved in time to host the match
LIMPOPO – The Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chief Operations Officer, Prof Ronnie Schloss, visited Thohoyandou Stadium last Tuesday for inspection to check if the stadium is ready to host Absa PSL matches.
The renovation work of the stadium included the restoration of quality of the pitch, upgrading of ablution facilities, dressing rooms, extension of the parking lot, entrances as well as the enhancement of the floodlights, technical benches, turnstiles and pavement around the stadium as well as the hospitality and media area.
When Schloss previously assessed the stadium two weeks ago, he announced it was not suitable for PSL games. Supporters of the home team, Black Leopards, are concerned that if the Thohoyandou Stadium does not meet PSL requirement, their home matches will be moved to the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex in Polokwane, about 200 km away.
Black Leopards are set to face Orlando Pirates on 28 August and supporters are wondering if the stadium will be approved in time to host the match.
When Leopards played against Polokwane City, supporters excitedly bought tickets for the match initially scheduled to be played in Thohoyandou but they were disappointed when it had to be moved to Polokwane.
Schloss said he is happy with the upgrades done at the Thohoyandou Stadium. “The last time I was there for a preliminary inspection, the pitch was playable, but it will be improved which is the other thing they are working on at the moment,” Schloss said, adding there were still certain areas which need improvement. He added, however, he is confident the stadium would meet all the necessary requirement after work has been completed.
Black Leopards Spokesperson, Berry Ramunenyiwa said they did everything they were asked by PSL as a team, adding they are awaiting a report from the PSL.
Thulamela Municipality Spokesperson, Nndwamato Tshiila, is confident the PSL will approve Thohoyandou Stadium as Black Leopards’ home venue. “We have worked around the clock in a bid to bring the stadium up to PSL standards. We want Thohoyandou Stadium to remain the homeground of Black Leopards so the people of Vhembe can continue to enjoy soccer,” Tshiila said.
