SAFA issues update regarding S

SAFA issues update regarding Soweto derby fan attendance

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has issued an update on the return to fans to the stadiums with the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates discussed.

SAFA issues update regarding S

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has issued an update on the return to fans to the stadiums with the Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates discussed. 

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It has been over a year since any sporting code in South Africa has had fan attendance, but that might end soon for the DStv Premiership with plans to bring fans in for the next Soweto derby on Saturday, 6 November.

A commitment to the return of fans has been made

SAFA has confirmed that the National Soccer League (NSL) has made a commitment to allow fully vaccinated fans to enter the Soweto derby fixture between Amakhosi and the Buccaneers. 

Bafana Bafana fixture part of the drive initiative

This Soweto derby fans update comes after SAFA had already made their own commitment through their president Danny Jordaan, to allow fully vaccinated fans to enter the FNB Stadium free of charge when Bafana Bafana take on Ethiopia in the return leg of their back-to-back 2022 Soccer World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, 5 October.

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Bafana Bafana and Soweto derby fixtures are the biggest in the country. Therefore these two initiatives are seen as part of a strategy from both the NSL and the government to further incentivise the population into accelerating the vaccination rate and process in the country. 

Soweto Derby is the NSL’s target

“Only fans that are vaccinated will get free entry into the forthcoming Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup match between SA and Ethiopia, scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium on October 12. SAFA’s special member, the NSL, has resolved to use the Soweto Derby to also encourage mass vaccination drive,” Jordaan said.

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Jordaan also stated that SAFA NEC members would also need to be fully vaccinated and provide proof in order to participate further in this drive.

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“Everyone attending SAFA meetings and events including the support staff should also be vaccinated. These include all players playing in the SAFA competitions, referees, coaches and everyone involved.Those that do not meet the requirements will not be allowed to participate in any football events. The deadline for this drive is October 30, 2021,” concluded Jordaan.