Orlando Pirates have sent a statement to this publication about the scuffle that erupted at Orlando Stadium, involving Mamelodi Sundowns’ non-playing players and parts of the technical team after their match on the weekend.
A video was making the rounds on social where security at Orlando Stadium is seen denying the Downs players and coaches access to get into dressing room area at the stadium.
This publication subsequently contacted both clubs to seek clarity on what transpired, with Pirates media officer Thandi Merafe sending iDiski Times the following statement:
“Kindly note that Orlando Pirates initiated an alignment meeting with Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday, 02 February 2023, to address all aspects of the upcoming match.
“Amongst the issues discussed at the alignment meeting were accreditation and access control. At no point during the alignment meeting was the issue of the non-matchday squad and club officials coming onto the competitions area and or pitch after the match discussed.
“Nor was it brought up by Mamelodi Sundown Management. It was agreed at the meeting that only working staff with a valid 2022/2023 PSL accreditation would be allowed access onto the competitions area and pitch.
“All other Sundowns personnel who did not form part of the match-day squad or match-day Coaching personnel would be accommodated at the hospitality suite, specifically provided by the host Club to accommodate such staff.
“Club security was then briefed in accordance to the agreement reached by both clubs at the alignment meeting.
“Finally Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns have always had an open relationship where the two Clubs can communicate in the event of any issues that may arise. For instance when they hosted us on 30 December 2022, we shared a video of issues that arose out that match with Sundowns and not the Media. Therefore when their video is leaked to the Media we are not sure of the reason or intention behind the leak.”
Sundowns were also contacted by iDiski Times but opted to reserve their comments on the incident.
