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PSL CEO Mato Madlala was left unhappy by logistical glitches when the province hosted the last Nedbank Cup final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns

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Sizwe sama Yende

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Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, will meet PSL CEO, Mato Madlala, in his on-going quest to stage big sporting events in the province.

Ndlovu said that he understood Madlala was unimpressed by logistical glitches the PSL experienced when it afforded Mpumalanga an opportunity to host the last Nedbank Cup final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates.

“The PSL CEO said they will never bring a match in Mpumalanga again. I will go with [Culture, Sport and Recreation MEC Leah Mabuza] to meet the PSL and discuss these issues,” he said.

“I realised this when I was trying to negotiate to host the MTN Cup final (to be played by Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC). The PSL said they would never bring any game to Mpumalanga again,” he said.

Ndlovu appointed Madlala as MEC today as he was forced to reshuffle his cabinet to comply with the ANC’s gender balance guidelines. When a premier is male, the guideline dictates that 60% of cabinet members should be female.

Mpumalanga had five male MECs against four females. Mabuza replaced Fidel Mlombo who had been in the position for only two months.

Ndlovu said that Mabuza should continue where Mlombo had left off to ensure that the province was considered for big sporting events.

The province hosts a few PSL games a season, thanks to TS Galaxy FC, which uses Mbombela Stadium as its home ground.

Mpumalanga football fans can expect more professional soccer with the promotion of Kruger United to the National First Division. Kruger United hosts its games in KaNyamazane stadium and joins Casric FC in the second division. Casric FC host its games at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga and Giyani Stadium in Giyani, Limpopo.

Ndlovu said that the provincial government would support Casric FC even though there have been talks about its owner being from Limpopo. “It doesn’t matter where the owner is from. The team is playing games in our province and we must support it,” he said.

Ndlovu said he was thrilled that Mpumalanga would host an international rugby match between the Springboks and Argentina on September 28.