The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has made the decision to allow the return of football fans to stadiums in South Africa. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
THIS will be the first match to have fans after PSL declares stadiums are OPEN!
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has made the decision to allow the return of football fans to stadiums in South Africa.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has made the decision to allow the return of football fans to stadiums in South Africa. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has made the decision to allow the return of football fans to stadiums in South Africa.
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Addressing the media on Tuesday, PSL chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza confirmed that spectators will be permitted to return from early April.
Khoza said the league has earmarked the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals that are scheduled to take place between 8-10 April as the first to have fans.
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Khoza said the league was unable to allow football fans to return to stadiums effective immediately due to issues of compliance – among others.
He further said a number of categorised matches have to be re-categorised, and that responsibility lies with clubs and not the league.
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The league is only responsible for cup competitions, and it is for that reason it has earmarked the weekend of 8-10 April.
“The Executive Committee formulated guidelines and stressed the importance of adhering to rules for its member clubs,” said Khoza.
“The league has earmarked the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on 8 and 9 April as the first matches to be open to spectators.
“It will be difficult to open this coming weekend, because all matches have already been categorised.
“We’re still in discussions about the league matches the following weekend, which might have to be re-categorised,” continued Khoza.
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As a result, the first match and venue to see fans flocking through the turnstiles will be the clash between Tshakhuma FC and SuperSport United at the Thohoyandou Stadium on Friday, 8 April.
Kick-off is at 19:00.
Nedbank Cup quarter-finals:
Friday, 8 April, Tshakhuma FC v SuperSport United, Thohoyandou Stadium – 19:00
Saturday, 9 April, Marumo Gallants v Baroka FC, Peter Mokaba Stadium – 15:00
Saturday, 9 April, Mamelodi Sundowns v Summerfield Dynamos FC, Loftus Versfeld – 18:00
Sunday, 10 April, Royal AM v Tuks, Chatsworth Stadium – 15:00
Khoza reiterated that only those who have been vaccinated and/or tested negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours of the match will be allowed into match venues.
