Mokwena reacts to ‘unusual’ new year’s fixture

For the first time since the inception of the Premier Soccer League in 1996, South African football fans will witness a league match on the last day of the year.

This comes after Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates are scheduled to battle it out on Saturday, 31 December, at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 17:30, according to the leaked DStv Premiership draft fixture.

The PSL has been forced to rearrange their normal schedule due to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar from 21 November until 18 December 2022.

Speaking to the media during the Mandela Day coaching clinics held in Rustenburg on Thursday, Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena anticipates the fixture to produce fireworks.

“I understand why you ask that question. You ask that question because it has never been done in South African football before, but the reality is that it’s done in most parts of the world in the UK. It’s done,” said Mokwena.

“They play every single year on the 31st or the 1st and even during Christmas. So, look, it’s something that we are looking forward to, and hopefully, we can get it right with regards to how we prepare for that fixture.

“It is going to be a very difficult fixture because we expect a much stronger Pirates this season, and let’s see how it goes, and hopefully, we are ready for that match. There will be a lot of fireworks,” he said.

Masandawana are set to open its campaign away to Cape Town City on Friday, 5 August. They will host Kaizer Chiefs in their second fixture on Saturday, 13 August.

Sundowns opening 6 League fixtures:

v Cape Town City (A)

v Kaizer Chiefs (H)

v AmaZulu (H)

v Sekhukhune (A)

v Stellenbosch (H)

v SuperSport (A)

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