Sundowns to use Loftus for Cup tie

Mamelodi Sundowns will go ahead with their African Champions League semifinal second leg tie against Esperance at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

This is despite the logistical difficulties of the stadium being used the next day for the United Rugby Championship clash between the Blue Bulls and Welsh club Osprey.

They will be forced to black out all the advertising signage meant for the rugby game in a costly exercise but are relieved to be playing this important tie at home, club officials told supersport.com on Wednesday.

The club had considered moving the game to Soccer City or the Orlando Stadium but after deliberations on Tuesday settled on a compromise for Loftus.

The match will be played on 26 April with a 8pm kickoff time.

Sundowns first take on the Tunisian club in the first leg at Rades on Saturday with the winner guaranteed not only a place in the final – against either Al Ahly or TP Mazembe – but also a place in next season’s Club World Cup in the US.

Time to get ready for the big one! An exciting first leg awaits in Tunisia! 🌍

⚽ ES Tunis vs Mamelodi Sundowns
📅 20 April
⏰ 21H00 SAST
🏟 Olympic Stadium
🏆 CAF Champions League#Sundowns #TotalEnergiesCAFCL pic.twitter.com/YCRupOEKQ4

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) April 17, 2024