A bit more clarity has been given regarding a video doing the rounds on social media, showing Mamelodi Sundowns players and technical staff being denied entry at Orlando Stadium.
Led by coach David Notoane, the Sundowns players who were not in the matchday squad, as well as technical team members who were not on the bench, were trying to enter through the door which leads to the dressing rooms, but were denied entry by Orlando Pirates security.
READ: Rulani Discusses PSL Standard As CAFCL Looms
In the video, posted by the Masandawana Fan Vlog and credited to @OscarNtsintsi87, a Pirates official is blocking Sundowns from entering while Notoane was trying to explain why they are trying to get inside, saying, "these are professional players". Players such as Rushine de Reuck, Rivaldo Coetzee, Terrence Mashego, Lebohang Maboe and Reyaad Pieterse.
What a disgusting football club ???? | @OscarNtsintsi87 pic.twitter.com/WIgQAelnJk
— Masandawana Fan Vlog (@MSFCfanVlog) February 4, 2023
"That was actually after the game. There is no context with that video, which is why many people think it was before the game," an insider revealed to the Siya crew.
"The team was trying to go to the dressing room to celebrate with the guys for winning the game. But you know how these are sometimes in football."
READ: Rulani Opens Up On Mngqithi's Future
Insiders have revealed that the group were not given access and were turned away.
"Sundowns decided to leave it and those players did not go in. It was extra players. One is not privy to the PSL rules. I think these things are arranged before the game, so maybe there was an issue with accreditations and all that. They (Pirates) have their own processes," the Downs insider explained.
Sundowns won the match 1-0 on Saturday, courtesy of a goal scored by Cassius Mailula, who is now just two goals behind DStv Premiership top scorer Peter Shalulile.
The Siya crew made attempts to contact Sundowns to find out if any action will be taken, but the club was unavailable for comment.
In an exclusive statement, Pirates have since responded to the Siya crew.
"Kindly note that Orlando Pirates initiated an alignment meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday, 02 February 2023. To address all aspects of the upcoming match. Among the issues discussed at the alignment meeting were accreditation and access control.
"At no point during the alignment meeting was the issue of the non-matchday squad and club officials coming onto the competitions area and or pitch after the match discussed, nor was it brought up by Mamelodi Sundown Management. It was agreed at the meeting that only working staff with a valid 2022 / 2023 PSL accreditation would be allowed access onto the competitions area and pitch. All other Sundowns personnel who did not form part of the matchday squad or matchday coaching personnel would be accommodated at the hospitality suite, specifically provided by the host Club to accommodate such staff.
"Club security was then briefed in accordance (with) the agreement reached by both clubs at the alignment meeting. Finally Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have always had an open relationship where the two Clubs can communicate in the event of any issues that may arise. For instance, when they hosted us on 30 December 2022, we shared a video of issues that arose out of that match with Sundowns and not the media. Therefore when their video is leaked to the media we are not sure of the reason or intention behind the leak," the statement read.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
