How Mamelodi Sundowns secured Lucas Moripe for Kaizer Chiefs fixture

Hunt’s side also use Atteridgeville for their home games but have been forced to make alternative arrangements this season after being informed the Premier Soccer League had banned the venue from hosting topflight fixtures. 

Their opening DStv Premiership clash against Richards Bay was played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane – and Hunt was annoyed. 

But Mokwena has now clarified why the Stadium is available again. 

“I’ve got to compliment the club because they’ve gone out of their way to upgrade the facilities from not just the grass, but the turnstiles and improve the lights – that has come at a cost to the club,” the Downs coach explained. 

He did not reveal the exact figures of the renovations, but the PSL has estimated the cost to be around “millions”. 

This means Sundowns, who played at Loftus Versfeld, which is also unavailable until mid-October, will still be closer to their faithful fans. 

“The investment is worth it because it allows our games to be played closer to our supporters – that’s important for us. They are the heartbeat of this club, they given energy, when they play the drum it galvanizes the team a lot. It was very important that we still get access to a Stadium that our supporters can attend the games,” Mokwena elaborated further. 

Another option was to request Chiefs agree to host the first round of the league meeting between the two sides at FNB Stadium, but the Sundowns mentor suggested Amakhosi rejected the idea. 

“We tried to even change fixtures. We tried to even say to Chiefs the first round must be their home game and then we will host the second. But it couldn’t happen. We tried to also use FNB – that couldn’t happen. We settled for Lucas and I think for the interim that was the best decision,” said Mokwena.