Drama as AmaZulu vs Marumo Gallants fixture is abandoned twitter facebook reddit twitter facebook reddit

Wednesday's Premier Soccer League match between AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium was abandoned after nine minutes of play.

The scoreline was 0-0 when play was stopped by referee Christopher Kistoor.

According to reports from the match, the kits clashed and players and officials could not tell the teams apart sufficiently for the game to continue.

SuperSport also reported that the floodlights at King Zwelithini Stadium had been removed for repairs, meaning that there would be no lighting available if the game was restarted later in the dark.

Referee Kistoor called off the match as visitors' Marumo Gallants' navy blue kit was adjudged to be close to Usuthu's green uniform.

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As Kistoor stopped the match nine minutes into the match, he began consultations while Marumo Gallants owner Abram Sello could be seen continuously on his phone.

Under rules, the visiting team should have an alternative kit but the standoff went on as it appeared Marumo Gallants did not have a plan B, leading to the match being abandoned.

Former Orlando Pirates star Teko Modise slammed the incident as something that should not be witnessed in top-flight league football.

"When they came out [of the dressing rooms] we had this conversation that the colours are too similar so it's very difficult for officials to see. So can you imagine the players themselves," Modise told SuperSport TV.

"For me it's puzzling because you meet way in advance sharing what type of kits you will be using. I think somebody didn't do a good job because they were supposed to know the colours they were using.

"AmaZulu are the home team and they can come out and say this is our home kit, I don't want to change. They are within their rights to do so. Honestly, this is something we should not be seeing, especially in the top league."

Another Pirates player Dikgang Mabalane agreed with Modise.

"I don't think this would have happened had Marumo Gallants brought an alternative kit," said Mabalane.

"They would have just switched jerseys and the game would go on. But now it was up to AmaZulu if they are willing to compromise and bring in another kit. But, however, they have the right to say they have done the right thing. From the players' perspective you don't want to be stopped in the middle of the game."

Gallants are likely to be charged by the PSL for travelling without an alternative kit.

Usuthu could also be in trouble for hosting the match without a guarantee of adequate lighting.