PSL forced to move fixtures due to SA general election

Cape Town - The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed that a block of fixtures scheduled for May 8 will be shifted due to the South African general elections.

The PSL had scheduled a full block of fixtures for Wednesday, May 8 but with President Cyril Ramaphosa saying that the general elections will take place on the same day the league had no choice but to make other arrangements.

They have decided to bring the games forward to May 4 and, because it is the penultimate round of fixtures for the season, all games will take place at the same time.

The PSL said in a statement: "The PSL Executive Committee deliberated on this matter. Considering the circumstances, and despite the fixture congestion the Premier Soccer League is faced with, the League has no option but to reschedule the Absa Premiership matches to be played on that day

"This block fixture - that must have simultaneous kick-off times around the country - will now be played on Saturday afternoon May 4 2019."

However, the games could yet be moved to another date again because the CAF Champions League semi-finals are scheduled to take place on May 4.

With Mamelodi Sundowns already through to the quarter-finals of the continental tournament and Orlando Pirates still in the competition, the league will wait before announcing any new changes.

The PSL added: "The League is also aware of another challenge that might arise from the above solution in relation to the CAF Champions League and the on-going success of our Member Clubs participating in the continental competition.

"Should a South African team qualify for the CAF Champions League semifinal, the PSL will re-evaluate the situation and advise accordingly."