Africa-Press – Eswatini. WHILE there have been no fans in South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL), a CAF circular released last October permits fans in its games in accordance with that country’s regulations against COVID-19.
The South African government amended regulation 69 of the Disaster Management Act, permitting at least 2 000 fans at outdoor sporting events last October and expectations were that the PSL would open the gates for fans. However, the league is yet to open stadiums for any of the DStv Premiership matches, the exception being the MTN8 final in Durban for 2 000 supporters last October.
This particular amendment in the regulation means Leopard can open the gates to at least 2 000 fans when they play host to Orlando Pirates on Sunday at Mbombela Stadium.
The country’s Total Energies CAF Confederation Cup participants have been forced to secure nearby Mbombela Stadium following the ban of Mavuso Sports Centre by the continental governing body. Countless attempts to reach Leopard Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frank Hurube hit a snag as his phone rang unanswered.
sorted
The publication wanted to know if the club had sorted out entry tickets for this particular game. On the other hand, the PSL has hardly revealed why it has been difficult to accommodate at least 2 000 fans in league matches according to the Sowetan.
It has been 19 months since South African fans last watched league games. Seeing rugby fans back in stadiums has left a sour taste in the mouth of National Football Supporters Association (NAFSA) acting CEO Siyabulela Loyilane.
“It’s very concerning and frustrating that the PSL is the only sports sector which doesn’t want to take even those 2 000 fans. “Rugby fans are now allowed. It’s just heartbreaking because every country in the world now allows fans in the stadiums, it’s only us. PSL should be putting the 2 000-fan regulation into use to see what works and what doesn’t,” Loyilane told Sowetan.
The Leopard versus Pirates match being CAF sanctioned means the police side can trigger the South African government regulation and open gates to 2 000 fans.
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