The Absa Premiership fixture between title contenders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates has been postponed until further notice due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Sundowns and Pirates were scheduled to clash at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the league on Tuesday evening.

This follows PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza’s announcement on Monday that all games have been suspended for this week.

Kaizer Chiefs playing host to Bidvest Wits on Wednesday has also been suspended, including eight other matches scheduled for this weekend.

Mamelodi Sundowns released the following statement:

‘Mamelodi Sundowns’ match against Orlando Pirates has been postponed following the State President’s pronouncement that gatherings of more than 100 people are prohibited due to the coronavirus outbreak, as well as the subsequent decision by the Premier Soccer League to postpone all matches under its auspices, including the MultiChoice Diski Challenge.

‘The match against Pirates, which was scheduled for tomorrow [Tuesday, 17 March 2020] at the Loftus Stadium will be played at a later stage.

‘Supporters that have already bought tickets, are encouraged to keep their tickets safe and will be advised on the way forward [to either use the tickets at a later stage or get a refund].

‘We apologise for any inconvenience caused and are in solidarity with those that have lost their loved ones and are affected by the outbreak.

‘We encourage everyone to exercise care and take the necessary precautionary measures to limit the spread of the coronavirus as per the guidelines.

‘As more information is made available we will provide you with updates.’

Orlando Pirates also released their own statement of their own:

‘The Premier Soccer League has suspended fixtures for the remainder of the week after a special executive committee meeting was held on Monday. This was in the wake of measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.’

‘The league was set to resume on Tuesday with Orlando Pirates travelling to face Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld a day before another big fixture between log leaders Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits the following day.

‘Both matches, along with those scheduled for the weekend, will no longer go ahead after PSL Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza announced the resolution made in the meeting.

‘Dr Khoza said the League would consult stakeholders and determine the way forward before making further announcements.

‘Supporters have been urged not to travel to matches and to cancel hotel bookings.

‘What this also means is that the crunch fixture between the Buccaneers and Wits, which was set to be held at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, will also not take place as scheduled.

‘More information will be relayed to supporters in due time.’