Latest news with #SupersportUnited
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL rescheduling sparks rulebook row after three-month delay
Bradley Grobler of Supersport United reacts dafter their defeat to Richards Bay this past weekend. United have one half or football left his season, against Golden Arrows, on Thursday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix On Monday, the PSL rescheduled the abandoned Betway Premiership match between SuperSport United and Golden Arrows — a staggering three months after its initial postponement. This curious twist of fate has stirred controversy and left many questioning the league's commitment to their own rules, after the PSL appeared to throw their NSL Handbook out of the window with this call. The handbook is the definitive guide to match protocols and regulations, dictating a more timely resolution to such interruptions as loadshedding. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The original encounter took place in late February. It was interrupted at half-time, with both teams locked in a stalemate at 1–1, when the stadium lights unexpectedly went out, plunging the game into darkness. Under Rule 14.16 of the NSL Handbook, it is stipulated that matches interrupted by loadshedding or other causes of inadequate lighting must be resumed within 48 hours at an agreed-upon time and venue. However, the fixture's resumption has been delayed for three months, raising concerns over fairness in the league's operations. The match, now scheduled for 12pm on Thursday, could determine SuperSport's fate in the PSL relegation/promotion play-offs — a scenario that places significant weight on the outcome and raises questions about compliance with NSL procedures. Mathematically, Golden Arrows could still reach the coveted Top 8 if they win the match with a mammoth margin of six goals. The handbook explicitly underscores the necessity of a backup generator, highlighting the importance of maintaining functionality during unforeseen power failures. SuperSport United, as the host club, may argue that they do not own the stadium. However, in hiring the venue, they are responsible for ensuring that it meets all PSL match-day requirements — including the provision of backup power. To date, no action has been taken against SuperSport. The PSL must ensure that clubs hiring stadiums are never again left vulnerable to the uncertainties of power shortages. This latest development sets a concerning precedent for match resumptions beyond the previously established 48-hour window — sparking speculation over whether such timeframes remain enforceable, despite their inclusion in the handbook.
CAF
16-05-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Four to Watch: Stars set to shine in the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON final
Published: Friday, 16 May 2025 As the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt nears its climax, all eyes turn to the eagerly awaited final between Morocco and South Africa on Sunday in Cairo. Both sides have impressed throughout the tournament, earning hard-fought victories in the semi-finals and showing depth, resilience, and flair in their run to the title decider. At the heart of these performances lie a handful of exceptional young talents—players who have not only carried their teams forward but are also expected to play pivotal roles in determining who lifts the trophy. Among those set to take centre stage are two Moroccan stars—midfield anchor Reda Laalaoui and the versatile forward Jones El Abdellaoui—as well as South Africa's attacking spark Thabang Mahlangu and midfield maestro Shakeel April. With goals, assists, and standout performances, these four have defined their nations' tournament narratives and could now etch their names into history. 1. Thabang Mahlangu (South Africa, Supersport United, Age 19) Mahlangu has been one of the tournament's breakout stars. The Supersport United forward has played in six matches, scoring three crucial goals—including a match-winning strike against DR Congo in the quarter-finals. He earned a Man of the Match rating of 7.8 in that game and another solid 6.7 against Nigeria in the semi-final. A livewire with sharp movement and instinctive finishing, Mahlangu's influence in the final third could be South Africa's trump card on Sunday. 2. Shakeel April (South Africa, Cape Town City, Age 19) Another key cog in South Africa's run, April is a dynamic midfielder with a knack for unlocking defences. In five matches played, April has registered one goal and one assist—most notably setting up Mahlangu's winner against DR Congo. His technical skill and vision were on full display in that quarter-final, where he posted a good match rating. Despite a minor injury in the semi-final against Nigeria, April's creativity remains vital in the final. 3. Jones El Abdellaoui (Morocco, Celta Vigo, Age 19) The Spanish-based forward has featured in three matches for Morocco and made them count—scoring against Egypt in the semi-final and notching a 7.6 rating in just 26 minutes. The Celta Vigo man brings top-level experience and clinical finishing to Morocco's attack. His goal against the hosts secured their place in the final and showed he has the temperament for big moments. 4. Reda Laalaoui (Morocco, FUS Rabat, Age 20) Morocco's midfield general, Laalaoui has been instrumental in their journey to the final. The FUS Rabat star has started four matches, earning rave reviews for his control and consistency. His 8.1-rated display over 120 minutes against Sierra Leone in the quarter-finals stood out as one of the tournament's best individual performances. Calm under pressure and precise in distribution, Laalaoui's leadership and poise will be essential in the final.
