Chiefs v Pirates replay in June
Chiefs v Pirates replay in June

Posted in News on May 08, 2001.

The abandoned Premier Soccer League match between traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will be replayed in June but a date is yet to be finalised, according to PSL spokesperson Andrew Dipela.

The match was abandoned on April 11 following a crowd stampede, which left 43 people dead and several others injured in South Africa's worst soccer disaster.

"There are talks currently going on between the league and SA Football Association (Safa) and nothing has been finalised as yet," he said.

Dipela said a number of dates have been considered. The match could be played on June 2, but Bafana Bafana will be engaged in a Nations Cup qualifier match against Liberia the following day in Monrovia.

Another alternative would be June 10, but this date could be ruled out due to the Bob Save Super Bowl final between Sundowns and Santos a day before. The final is set for the FNB Stadium and Chiefs and Pirates replay will be taking place in Johannesburg.

Both Chiefs and Pirates are in the race for the domestic league championship and the replay is likely to attract more attention than the Cup Final from South African supporters.

Fourth-placed Chiefs enhanced their chances with a last-minute 1-0 win against leaders Sundowns on Wednesday following a bizarre own goal by Sundowns keeper Paul Evans in referee's optional time.

The two clubs will also be involved in an off-season tournament, Vodacom Challenge, towards the end of June in Durban.

"We still have to agree on the venue and finalise security logistics for this match," said Dipela.

The league programme is scheduled to end on June 9 with the Super Bowl final but the last league matches will be played on May 23.

Share this article: