Ria agree to early Charity Cup kick-off
Ria agree to early Charity Cup kick-off

Posted in News on Jul 24, 2001.

The Premier Soccer League announced on Thursday that Ria Stars have agreed to play their Telkom Charity Cup match against Moroka Swallows at 10:00 and not 12:00 according to the draw.

Ria Stars were given until midday on Thursday to decide whether they want to participate in this year's Telkom Charity Cup under conditions outlined by the league.

Stars were drawn against Moroka Swallows in the Charity Cup draw on Monday and their match was scheduled for 12:00 on Saturday.

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates were to play at 10:00 but the league decided to change the kick-off times for security reasons. The league also indicated that an early kick-off by Chiefs and Pirates would create logistical problems.

But a livid Stars director Ria Ledwaba, said her side would only pitch for the midday kick-off. Swallows, who were behind Stars throughout, made an about turn on Wednesday saying they would play despite their disapproval of the league's decision.

Ledwaba said she made suggestions to the league that the match between Chiefs and Pirates be moved to 11:00 and the second semifinal to 13:00 but the league did not entertain such a suggestion.

Should Stars maintain their stance and not go with the PSL's ruling, this could present the league with other problems.

Reports that Sundowns could be brought in seem farfetched as the Pretoria side indicated after the draw that they would boycott the charity event in future due to irregularities in the voting process.

However, the PSL might have shot themselves in the foot after the draw by not exercising one of it's rules, which allows the cup committee to take a decision on kick-off times and the venue.

Share this article: