”The Bafana Bafana team will also make history. They’ll be the first team to play in front of spectators after an 18-month drought due to Covid-19.
Those are the direct words of South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr. Danny Jordaan, as he was confirming that South African football fans are now allowed to watch games live at the stadiums.
“We had a great meeting with the Department of Health who will on Thursday guide the way in how we will achieve this, and do it in a manner that we all still remain safe.
It will be a marvel to see fans back in the stands,” said the President.
“Bafana Bafana are the hearts and emotions of South African fans and my visit is to remind them of the place they hold within society, the hope they bring and the smiles they’re able to put on the faces of the fans,” mentioned the President.
According to Jordaan, the upcoming match is a mammoth task and one that should not be taken for granted, and the association has made every effort to ensure that the team travel safely there and back.
Having the 12th man present is the cherry on top for this World Cup Qualifier and adds an important dimension that has been missing from the game for a long time.
On the other hand, PSL released a press statement clearly stating that no fans will be allowed at stadiums during DSTV Premiership games.
PSL said there have been suggestions, after the President’s address on Thursday 30 September 2021, that it might be possible to allow a limited number of spectators to attend upcoming PSL matches.
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This according to PSL isn’t true, therefore the League Covid-19 protocol and the process which regulates the persons who are permitted to attend matches will remain in place until such time as there are new regulatory changes.
”Unfortunately, the new Disaster Management Act regulations continue to prohibit spectators at matches.
Section 69(10) of the regulations requires “strict adherence” to the provisions which have limited those permitted at matches to persons strictly necessary for the match.
Sub-section 69 (10) (d) expressly confirms that “no spectators are allowed at the venue of the sports match” and subsections 12 and 13 make attendance (and permitting attendance) a criminal offence.
It is important that all PSL supporters and fans understand this.”
It seems as if Covid 19 is being used as a tool by SAFA and PSL as both parties are trying to prove a point that is powerful or stronger than the other.
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