[ad_1]
MTN8 will kick off the campaign with some exciting matches to look forward to.
PSL has confirmed the times and dates of the first round of the MTN8 competition that will kick off the 2020-21 season, in a statement released on Monday.
As previously stated by league president Dr. Irvin Khoza, the MTN8 competition will kick off the campaign on October 17 with league games scheduled for October 24.
The teams that finished in the top four last season have been seeded, which means they can’t meet until the semi-final stage.
They will also enjoy the advantage of playing at home, as has been the case in previous years.
Matches will not be played in a bio-bubble after the South African government went from lockdown alert level 2 to alert level 1, allowing flights to operate across the country under strict Covid-19 regulations.
The opening match of the campaign will see Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) take on defending champion SuperSport United on October 17. The match is scheduled to take place at the Thohoyandou Stadium.
TTM qualified for the competition under Bidvest Wits’ PSL state purchase, with students finishing in the top eight.
On the same day, the Orlando Pirates will host Cape Town City at Orlando Stadium. The start of that match is scheduled for 18:00.
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will complete the quarterfinal round on Sunday afternoon and evening respectively.
Amakhosi will face Maritzburg United at the FNB Stadium at 3:00 p.m. while the Brazilians will be at the Lucas Moripe Stadium against Bloemfontein Celtic at 6:00 p.m.
The Sundowns and Celtic clash will see a replay of the Nedbank Cup final that was clouded by controversy surrounding Tebogo Langerman’s inclusion in the team card despite being suspended.
Phunya Sele Sele lost the case despite Sundowns pleading guilty. The Brazilians were fined while Celtic were told their complaint should have been filed at least 30 minutes before kick-off.
The format of the competition has not changed despite the Covid-19 challenges facing the world: the semifinals will be played in two stages with the overall winner advancing to the final.
However, PSL announced in a statement that all four games will be played behind closed doors.
