POLOKWANE – The rugby match was part of the Absa Currie Cup u/20 division and the final stage two before the semi-finals kick into action.
The date and venue had been scheduled already at the beginning of the year, and was to be played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
However, when the Griffons pitched up at the stadium to train last Friday, they were told by Magesi FC players who were practising, that Magesi would play against Stellenbosch FC at the stadium in the National First Division Fixtures the next day.
The Limpopo Blue Bulls were left to find a different venue for their match, and it was eventually moved to the fields of the Pietersburg Rugby Club.
“This was quite disappointing as we had already organised catering, medics and security for the field,” said Joan du Toit from the Limpopo Blue Bulls Association.
The Limpopo Blue Bulls had only one day to find another venue, and tried to get a field at local schools in the city, but unfortunately all the schools’ fields were occupied.
The fields at the Pietersburg Rugby Club were not prepared, as one could expect, with roleplayers having had no time in advance.
The preparation of the fields, however, was also the responsibility of the Polokwane Municipality.
“The people from the Peter Mokaba Stadium told us that we did not have to worry as they would paint the rugby lines on the field before the match, but on the day of the game there still weren’t any lines” Du Toit explained.
She said when they asked those responsible for the painting of lines for the soccer match to help them paint the lines for the rugby match, they were told it was time to “knock off”.
“One of the people did manage to help us, but did not have all the proper equipment to paint the lines accurately,” according to Du Toit.
According to Matshidiso Mothapo, Assistant Manager Communications at the municipality, the incident was regretful.
“The municipality views the incident with serious concern. It was established that an honest and rare mistake related to bookings happened. Following the notification that there was a double booking, the municipality pulled all stops to get an alternative venue and call in everybody responsible for pitch preparation to assist.
“The municipality unreservedly apologises to the organisers and the fans for the unfortunate incident and will ensure that such does not happen again.”
The Peter Mokaba Sports Complex was not available as the pitch was under chemical treatment at the time.
