Following the country’s move to alert level one last month, suggestions have been made as regards the possible return of spectators to match venues and now the Premier Soccer League has issued a statement on the matter.
Fans have been stopped from entering the stadia since football returned in August last year following a lengthy suspension of football activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the number of infections in the country steadily decreasing, the PSL said in a statement that current regulations, which does not make provisions for any supporters – or media – will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
“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. 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.
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.”
After a long time, it will now come as very welcome to have fans back in stadiums as this could bring back lively atmospheres and could even influence the performance of some teams. Perhaps a team like Kaizer Chiefs will benefit strongly from this development.