Orlando Pirates will have an extra match on their busy schedule after their PSL clash against Golden Arrows was abandoned due to an unplayable pitch on Wednesday.
Heavy rains made the Mpumalanga Stadium unplayable, leading to the abandonment of the match, a second time this season that Pirates have failed to play just before kickoff due to inclement weather.
“Tonight’s fixture vs @goldenarrowsfc1 has been officially abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch at Mpumalanga Stadium. The match will be rescheduled, with a new date to be determined by the league,” Pirates posted on social media.
It is not certain if the match will be rescheduled to Thursday as the PSL is yet to comment on the issue but it is an extra load on Pirates, who already had two games in hand.
How does the abandonment affect Pirates?
Pirates were looking for victory to keep pressure on leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who enjoyed a nine-point lead heading into Wednesday’s fixtures, but could now end the day 12 behind, if the Brazilians secure a win against Marumo Gallants.
It is the second time this year when Pirates have had a match postponed just before kick after their clash with Royal AM was also called off after their opponents were suspended indefinitely due to their financial challenges.
Pirates also had another match abandoned due to band weather last August when their MTN semi-final first leg against Cape Town City was called off due to heavy rains in the Western Cape before being played the following day.
Jose Riveiro and his team will hope that the PSL finds a suitable date for the match against Arrows to clear their fixture congestion and also get an opportunity to keep pace with Sundowns.
