Sundowns and Barcelona clash officially confirmed
One of the most anticipated matches to close off the 2017/18 footballing, Sundowns-Barcelona scheduled to take place on the 16th of May, had been subjected to speculation of it not happening at all. The speculation was fuelled by Barcelona not officially announcing the fixture after the Brazilians had done so and also concerns that the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) would not approve the match since it falls within the domestic season. Forget all of that, it’s going down in Johannesburg on May 16 at 4 pm GMT. Both Mamelodi Sundowns and FC Barcelona have released communications confirming the showdown.
"Mamelodi Sundowns and the Motsepe Foundation are partnering with the Inter-Ministerial committee of the South African government that is responsible for the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, SAFA and La Liga. Mamelodi Sundowns is grateful to the PSL for having approved the match and to CAF for having moved the Mamelodi Sundowns match against Horoya AC in Guinea Conakry." - Mamelodi Sundowns
"FC Barcelona has always professed its admiration for Nelson Mandela, one of the greatest figures of the 20th century, who after 27 years in prison went on to become the first democratically elected president of post-apartheid South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Mandela represented the struggle for freedom and equality in the country and played a huge role in unifying the racially divided society. It is precisely this kind of spirit with which FC Barcelona has always been identified." - FC Barcelona’s Official Website
La Liga president, Javier Tebas, was also quick to give the match a thumbs up:
"We are delighted that FC Barcelona, the champions of the best competition in the world, will be playing in South Africa. This is a historic event and we are very proud that local fans will get to enjoy the stars and the quality of La Liga close up."
The South African Stadium Management boss, Jacques Grobbelaar announced on Twitter that ticket sales would commence on Thursday morning with prices ranging from (USD) $3.25 to $45 which is R40 to R550.
