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Cape Town - The date for the MTN8 first leg semi-final between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs has been moved to a Saturday to accommodate both teams as well as fans.
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According to the SowetanLIVE website, the first leg tie - which was scheduled to be played next Wednesday - will now be played on Saturday, August 24, at FNB Stadium.
This was done to observe the recommendations of the Ngoepe Commission of Inquiry that no official Soweto derby match be played in midweek.
The aim of the commission is to avoid a repeat of the April 11, 2001 Ellis Park tragedy where more than 43 people died during a midweek Soweto derby.
PSL general communications and stakeholder relations manager, Connie Motshumi, said the changes were also done to give clubs time to rest.
''Yes, I can confirm the Ngoepe Commission of Inquiry's recommendations were also taken into consideration in relation to the Soweto derby," said Motshumi.
''The other thing is that some of the clubs were going to play two games within three days.
''We also have Pirates playing in the African Champions League, which has also forced us to reschedule some of our Absa Premiership fixtures."
The second-leg will take place at Orlando Stadium on September 24 at 15:00. While that clash is scheduled for midweek, Motshumi said the fact that it is a public holiday, makes it different.
"Many people will be at home on that day," said Motshumi.
MTN8 semi-final and final fixtures:
FORUM: Have any thoughts? If so, join the debate on Sport24's all-new Forum!
According to the SowetanLIVE website, the first leg tie - which was scheduled to be played next Wednesday - will now be played on Saturday, August 24, at FNB Stadium.
This was done to observe the recommendations of the Ngoepe Commission of Inquiry that no official Soweto derby match be played in midweek.
The aim of the commission is to avoid a repeat of the April 11, 2001 Ellis Park tragedy where more than 43 people died during a midweek Soweto derby.
PSL general communications and stakeholder relations manager, Connie Motshumi, said the changes were also done to give clubs time to rest.
''Yes, I can confirm the Ngoepe Commission of Inquiry's recommendations were also taken into consideration in relation to the Soweto derby," said Motshumi.
''The other thing is that some of the clubs were going to play two games within three days.
''We also have Pirates playing in the African Champions League, which has also forced us to reschedule some of our Absa Premiership fixtures."
The second-leg will take place at Orlando Stadium on September 24 at 15:00. While that clash is scheduled for midweek, Motshumi said the fact that it is a public holiday, makes it different.
"Many people will be at home on that day," said Motshumi.
MTN8 semi-final and final fixtures:
First leg:
August 24:
Kaizer Chiefs v Orlando Pirates at 15:00 at FNB Stadium.
August 25:
Platinum Stars v Wits at 15:00 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.
Second leg:
September 24:
Orlando Pirates v Kaizer Chiefs at 15:00 at Orlando Stadium.
Wits v Platinum Stars at 19:30 at Bidvest Stadium.
Final:
September 28:
TBA
