Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates will have one less meeting this year after one of their fixtures were called off as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Carling Black Label SA have confirmed that the 2020 edition of the Champions Cup Soweto Derby between Chiefs and Pirates has been cancelled.
READ: 'Sundowns gave Chiefs the wrong Billiat'
Champions, following the government’s decision to ban all public gatherings & the severity of the COVID19 outbreak globally, we as Carling Black Label along with our partners @KaizerChiefs, @OrlandoPirates and @OfficialSMSA have decided to cancel the 2020 #CarlingCup. pic.twitter.com/pR9JnVt4XT
— Carling Black Label ???? (@blacklabelsa) August 14, 2020
This comes after the 2019/20 season was suspended for five months amid the nationwide lockdown, forcing the PSL to make alternative arrangements through the biologically safe environment.
READ: Zungu reflects on dream Bucs debut
The annual pre-season spactacle, which allows supporters to vote for their preferred starting line-ups, is usually held in July as a curtain raiser to the start of the new season.
However, given the current circumstances, the sponsors have had to cut their losses as the entire domestic calendar has been shifted for next season.
READ: Middendorp admits Orlando discomfort
The current campaign, including the Nedbank Cup finals and promotion/relegation play-offs, is scheduled to end in mid-September, with the 2020/21 season kick-off targeted for October 9.
This leaves clubs with a drastically shortened "pre-season" and no room for massive events, such as friendly specticals that require extensive planning and logistics.
The restriction on fans in the stadium is perhaps another factor considered in Carling's decision to can the innovative showpiece.
READ: JZ reveals Bucs' superior fitness secret