Why Sundowns v Barcelona raises eyebrows
"The PSL has granted Mamelodi Sundowns permission to play Barcelona next Wednesday, and I have four serious questions to ask," says Benedict Eggs Ngwenya
On today's On The Ball, we discussed the controversy surrounding Mamelodi Sundowns v Barcelona friendly, the latest on Sir Alex Ferguson's brain haemorrhage news and identification of Moses Mabhida Stadium hooliganism culprits. Listen to the podcast then read more in the blog below.
The high-profile friendly will take place on Wednesday 16 May at FNB Stadium and here are the questions I'm battling to wrap my head around.
1. Ajax Cape Town was denied permission to face Barcelona before the completion of the season in 2013 and the PSL says they allowed Sundowns as part of Nelson Mandela Centenary celebrations. If so, why are they using a club and not Bafana Bafana as per the norm?
2. If they are playing for a Mandela tournament why is Patrice Motsepe and not SAFA paying for Barcelona's travelling expenses and accommodation?
3. Sundowns have been complaining about a hectic schedule due to involvement in continental competitions. Why are they adding to that burden?
4. La Liga season is over, will national team coaches be happy with their superstars being risked in an unnecessary friendly ahead of the World Cup?
(File photo)