Soccer to resume after minister gives go-ahead
The department said that different sporting bodies were submitting their plans, indicating their state of readiness
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is set to return after the sports, arts and culture minister Nathi Mthethwa announced the resumption of sport.
The department said that different sporting bodies were submitting their plans, indicating their state of readiness and the stringent health protocols they would implement in accordance with prescribed regulations.
“The PSL’s plans have been approved, considering the mitigation strategies and plans in relation to the level 3 risk adjusted strategy in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mthethwa.
The plans have further been subject to analysis by health authorities [such as] the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), who have recommended that the measures put in place by the organisation meet and, in some instances, exceed the required protocol for a safe return to training and to play in a biologically safe environment.”
The league itself said plans were underway with the likelihood that all remaining matches could be played in one or two provinces.
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Sibusiso Vilakazi said he was eagerly waiting for football to return, under strict guidelines, of course.
“I want to smell the grass again, get the feel of the ball on my boots, wear the training kit and going for it again and hearing the coach give us that pep-talk again, that we are back. Those are the things that I am looking forward to and to see how we go about the remaining games and the Nedbank Cup, that’s exciting,” he said.
Sundowns were second on the Absa Premiership table with nine matches to go before the league was suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic in March.
“There’s a positive side and the negative side of the break – the negative being that it has gone on beyond what we anticipated and led to a bit of frustration,” said Vilakazi.
Supersport United players on the other hand have also return training.
They will resume the league without their captain Dean Furman, who has since moved to England.
“It’s been a challenge these past few months doing all of our training routines remotely. I’m really looking forward to seeing the squad again and to get back to some form of normal training,” said United forward Ghamphani Lungu.
United defender Onismor Bhasera said players and fans needed to adhere to the rules and regulations to stay safe.
“To all football supporters and our fans: we miss not just entertaining you, but also your presence in the stadiums and the sounds of your excitement.”
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