PSL grants Mamelodi Sundowns fixture postponement request

The Brazilians had been scheduled to host Gallants at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as the 2026/27 domestic campaign gets underway, but the fixture has now been moved to 19 August, with kick-off set for 19:30.

Information gathered by the public broadcaster indicates Sundowns approached the PSL requesting the postponement after their pre-season programme was significantly affected by the death of midfielder Jaden Adams earlier this month.

The club delayed its departure for its training camp in Austria as players, technical staff and management chose to remain in South Africa to pay their respects to Adams. 

The squad attended his memorial service in the Western Cape before travelling to Europe a week later than originally planned.

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The PSL executive committee considered the exceptional circumstances surrounding the tragedy and agreed it was appropriate to grant the request, acknowledging that Sundowns had fallen behind schedule through no fault of their own.

Miguel Cardoso's squad are expected to return to South Africa this weekend, with the postponement allowing the club additional time to complete its preparations before competitive action begins.

Sundowns’ first local fixture will then likely be in the MTN8 quarterfinals against Polokwane City on August 8. 

Adams passed away shortly after returning from the FIFA World Cup, where he was part of the Bafana Bafana squad and the cause of his death has not been made public with the player laid to rest at the weekend.