A possible stampede was averted on Tuesday night when the kick-off time for the PSL match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs was moved forward by 20 minutes at Loftus Stadium.

But what authorities are not telling the public is about the shambolic preparations and some of the risks that were ignored before signing off plans to host the game at night.

Sunday World attended the game and made disturbing observations that, if it were taken into consideration during the planning phase, a match of this magnitude should have not been allowed to take place at night.

Among the key risks posed to spectators was that there is a massive construction project taking place on the northern side of the stadium that has sealed off the use of the entire wing to the public.

As a result of the construction, a deep excavation which could be two-metres wide and up to eight-metres deep on Kirkness Street that runs on the western side of the stadium, was not sealed off. Any slight agitation from the fans could have led to a mass grave.

A giant excavator was also left in the middle of the street, making mobility difficult.

The entire eastern side's gates and turnstiles were not in use on the night of the game, which put unnecessary pressure on the three gates that were used.

To make matters worse, authorities did not have an official head count of the people in the stadium and those with counterfeit tickets had an easy passage as ticket scanners, which are part of the turnstiles infrastructure, were not used.

A senior match commissioner with CAF and Fifa experience said it was a huge risk for the game to take place at night.

"The games between Sundowns and Chiefs as well as Sundowns and Pirates have - over the years - become bigger and bigger," said the official, who asked not to be named. "All these Category A games should be treated like the Soweto derby.

"I think commercial pressure from TV and other sponsors might have forced the PSL to stage the game on a Tuesday. Whatever the justification, it is wrong."

Sunday World asked all four stakeholders who were responsible for the event but most did not respond to specific questions about the possible risks, and why an important game like this was allowed to take place on a Tuesday night.

The SAPS, through spokesman Lungelo Dlamini, said the information about preparations for events like this match was top secret.

"This office may not comment on any confidential information relating to security matters pertaining to events. It is the responsibility of the organisers to disclose information that may pose any risk to a planned event. Should they fail to do so, they are held responsible should there be any pending legal matter," said Dlamini.

The SAPS were part of a walk-about that took place around the venue to assess risks and readiness.

PSL spokesman Luxolo September asked for another week before they could respond to pointed questions.

"You have asked about a particular match but the questions posed relate generally to the processes and procedures that are followed by the league ...

"That is governed by a league safety and security manual which places specific responsibilities on various role-players and also the relevant laws - Sasrea (Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act), OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act) - all of which must be complied with.

"To do justice to your queries we intend to provide you will full particulars in general, and then in this particular instance.

"We hope that you will await that report because then you will be in a position to publish an article that will properly explain how these processes work ...," he said.

Sundowns spokesman Thulani Thuswa did not respond to questions.

We managed to obtain a report compiled by match commissioner David Smith.

In it, Smith said there were about 28 000 spectators in the 52000 capacity stadium. It is not clear how he arrived at this figure as turnstiles were not used and the stadium appeared to be full.

Smith also said they were happy with security arrangements after 473 personnel were posted, including 42 Metro Police officers.

In their response through spokesman Selby Bokaba, the City of Tshwane said they had posted 30 officers.

While there was no water from the taps at kickoff, Smith says the situation was back to normal at the end of the game.

"The Sundowns coach [Pitso Mosimane] needs to be educated about respecting the protocol regarding match officials.

"He entered the referees' dressing rooms after the match under the guise of congratulating them, but then abused the platform to pass remarks to referees which incited them to retaliate and which led to unnecessary arguments and disrespect," said the match commissioner in his parting shot.