DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns could be playing the majority of their home fixtures outside Gauteng – at least until October. The Siya crew has established that with both Lucas Moripe Stadium and Loftus Versfeld Stadium unavailable over the next three months or so, the Brazilians are considering their options elsewhere.
The Tshwane giants kick off their 2023/24 title defence against Sekhukhune United tomorrow (Friday) night in Polokwane, but could very well return to Limpopo when they host Kaizer Chiefs a few days later.
The title holders used Loftus for the CAF Champions League and domestic fixtures last season as Lucas Moripe continued to undergo renovations and hasn't yet been approved by the Premier Soccer League for professional games.
It's not the first time the Brazilians are forced to look outside the province for a home – in the past they have taken their continental matches to Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng as well as Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
There was a rare occasion in which they have used the compact University of Pretoria grounds as well as FNB Stadium, which is home to Chiefs. But sources have indicated Soccer City will not be available at this stage, forcing Downs to even consider Mbombela Stadium as an alternative.
Earlier this week, the fixture schedule on the PSL website still had Loftus as the venue for Downs' home matches, but it's believed this will be changed as soon as the club announce an alternative. It remains to be seen which direction the defending champions take.
Could this have an effect on the title race, particularly with setting the pace at the top of the table? Share your views in the comments section below!
