MTN8 Semifinal Postponed Due to Severe Weather Conditions

The MTN8 semifinal first leg match between Cape Town City and Orlando Pirates has been officially postponed. Initially scheduled to take place this evening at DHL Stadium, the match will now be played on Wednesday, 28 August 2024, at 18h00. The decision to postpone was made following severe weather conditions in the Western Cape region.

City of Cape Town authorities and stadium management advised that gale-force winds, with speeds averaging 67 km/h, made it unsafe to hold the match as planned. The adverse weather has already caused significant disruptions, including collapsed buildings and blocked roads due to fallen trees, affecting stadium facilities as well.

Tickets purchased for the original fixture will remain valid for the rescheduled match. Gates at DHL Stadium will open at 16h00 on Wednesday, allowing fans to enter early.

In the backdrop of accumulated weather challenges impacting local clubs during their preseason preparations, the decision to postpone underscores the current situation in Cape Town. Coaches from various teams have noted the impact of the weather on training and match conditions.

As it stands, the second leg of the semifinal is scheduled for Saturday, 31 August at Orlando Stadium, where the Pirates will seek to defend their title after winning the MTN8 consecutively in the previous two seasons. Cape Town City last lifted the trophy in 2018, under coach Benni McCarthy.

Additionally, the second semifinal pairing features Mamelodi Sundowns going up against Stellenbosch FC, with their first leg also happening on Wednesday, 28 August at Lucas Moripe Stadium, kicking off at 19h00.