Safa gives green light for amateur football to resume

The South African governmet has given clearance for amateur football to resume after over six months of inactivity, provided that certain social-distancing measures are adhered to. Safa issued out the update on Monday afternoon.

Since March, no amateur football has been held lawfully, with the professional game only returning in August as lockdown restrictions were eased gradually.

Amateur football gets the green light 

In a statement issued out on Monday, Safa revealed that the green light has been signalled by the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture – albeit with a warning that the public remain cautious as the COVID-19 pandemic remains.

The sports body’s chief executive Tebogo Montlanthe welcomed the latest developments.

“We are happy that football will now resume, but our members must monitor and ensure that teams follow strict health protocols.

“All Safa health and safety directives must be followed so that we avoid any possible spike of Covid-19 cases,” said Motlanthe.

Key requirements for the resumption of football

Safa said organisers will have to adhere to the following measures when holding matches;

• The appointment of a Compliance Officer

• Daily screening of Covid-19 symptoms

• Trying as much as possible to observe Covid-19 social distancing

• Sanitization and regular washing of hands

• Wearing of masks as much as possible at any given time, except when training is in session.

The professional game returns 

Meanwhile, professional football resumes in the coming weekend following the early-September conclusion of the previous season.

The action will begin with the MTN 8 quarterfinals, which take place from Saturday, 17 October.

The top-flight league kicks off the following weekend, with the mammoth clash between Kaizer Chiefs and reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns the pick of the first matchday’s action.