Mcelwa Nchabeleng
Mcelwa Nchabeleng
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has postponed the league match between Black Leopards and Free State Stars scheduled for Sunday because of the funeral of Lidoda Duvha's Mozambican defender Fernando Matola.
The match was due to be played at Goble Park Stadium in Bethlehem.
The tentative date for the rescheduled tie is September 19 at the same venue.
This was confirmed by the PSL's acting chief executive officer Ronnie Schloss yesterday.
"We have spoken to Free State Stars and they don't have a problem with the postponement and we are happy with their attitude," Schloss said.
Mike Mokoena, Stars' boss, confirmed to Sowetan yesterday that he had agreed to the postponement.
"There was no way that we would disagree with the postponement as we are also in mourning with Matola's family and Black Leopards in their time of grief," Mokoena said.
The affable Matola, who was also used as a defensive midfielder by coach Boebie Solomons at the team, will be buried in Maputo on Saturday.
His death came a day after that of former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns gifted forward Gift Leremi, who will be buried today.
Matola, 25, his wife and two children were burnt beyond recognition in a car accident on the Tzaneen-Lydenburg road in Limpopo last Sunday.
"We will always miss him. His death is a huge blow in our quest to make an impression this season," Tshifhiwa "Chief" Thidiela, said yesterday.