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. Sundowns are set to host Chiefs in a PSL match on Saturday, March 1, looking to extend their dominance over Amakhosi, but will not play at their usual home, having been forced to move to the nearby Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, Pretoria.
This change of venue is necessitated by the fact the Blue Bulls, a powerhouse in South African rugby, will host the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship match at Loftus Versfeld on the same afternoon. With the Bulls’ game being played at Loftus, the rugby match was prioritized, forcing Sundowns to seek refuge at the 28,900-seater Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The venue change presents both challenges and advantages for Sundowns. Despite the logistical challenges of moving from Loftus Versfeld, which has a larger capacity of 51,762, the Brazilians will have to contend with lower gate collections since expectations are for Loftus to be sold out. Coach Miguel Cardoso expressed relief, noting the crisp surface at Lucas Moripe Stadium will allow for improved gameplay, especially after he criticized the Loftus Versfeld pitch during their recent 4-1 victory over Orlando Pirates, which suffered due to the poor condition post-rugby.
Recent performances at Lucas Moripe have been promising for Sundowns, boasting victories such as their 3-0 win over SuperSport United and the emphatic 4-1 thrashing of TS Galaxy, both held at this venue. The venue's conditions appear favorable for Sundowns' style of play.
Can Chiefs end their horrible run against Sundowns? Over recent seasons, Sundowns have dominated their encounters with Kaizer Chiefs, remaining unbeaten against the Glamour Boys for the last eleven meetings—marking nine wins and two draws. The last time Chiefs emerged victorious over Sundowns was back in April 2021.
This season alone, the two teams have already met twice, with Sundowns securing victories on both occasions: first with a 2-1 win during the PSL match in September and then delivering a crushing 4-0 defeat to the Soweto giants during the Telkom Knockout held at the FNB Stadium.
With the match scheduled for this Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium, all eyes will be on whether Kaizer Chiefs can turn their fortunes around and break Sundowns' impressive winning streak. Fans are left wondering if the change of venue could play any role in the dynamics of this fierce rivalry.