KUGOMPO CITY – Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach Miguel Cardoso blamed poor pitch conditions for his African champions’ 1-1 draw against Chippa United, which took place on Saturday, 12 September.

According to an AFP report, the result came just a week away from their FIFA Intercontinental Cup clash with Saudi club Al Ahli.

Even a day later, the Portuguese coach was still furious about the game, which involved a late change in venue.

“You cannot play good football on that bumpy pitch,” he told reporters, referring to Buffalo City Stadium in KuGompo City (formerly East London).

Originally scheduled for Gqeberha, the Premiership match was switched after the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium pitch was declared “unsuitable”, following a PSL inspection.

The venue change meant that Sundowns, who had planned to fly back to Pretoria on Saturday evening after the game, could only do so 24 hours later, allegedly affecting preparations for the Al Ahli match on Saturday, September 19.

The report added that rain before and during the league match cut up the pitch, adding to the difficulties for the players before a 15,000-capacity crowd.

Lowly Chippa, seeking a historic first win over Sundowns in 27 matches, led on 78 minutes through Sirgio Kammies only for Antonio van Wyk to equalise five minutes into added time.

Asian champions Ahli edged Auckland City to book a showdown with Sundowns. The winners face Mexican club Toluca or the South American champions in a semi-final.

“European champions and Intercontinental Cup title-holders Paris Saint-Germain automatically qualify for the final,” the report added.

FIFA have yet to announce the dates and the venue that will host the Derby of the Americas, the semi-final and the final.

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