Roodepoort clubs commence training with immediate effect
The Association would like to appeal to clubs, SAFA Regions and SAFA Provincial Structures to adhere to the SAFA Covid-19 Health and Safety Directive at all times to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus.
On 9 February the South African Football Association (SAFA) permitted non-professional football to start training immediately, on condition that safety and health directives as per government regulations are followed strictly.
While clubs can commence training with immediate effect, amateur football leagues and competitions will kick off at the beginning of March 2021.
As part of their training, Roodepoort City and Roodepoort West Campus played a practice match at the South West Gauteng College FET sports ground while the SAFA Covid-19 Health and Safety Directives were observed at all times.
As required by SAFA the two teams and officials developed registers for use during training sessions and matches, while ensuring that no spectators were present.
Roodepoort West Campus scored the first goal of the match through a corner kick that was headed home in spectacular fashion.
Roodepoort City regrouped and displayed some exceptional carpet football which resulted in them getting their much-needed equaliser to stay in the game.
Signs of fatigue and low fitness levels as a result of the long break from playing were visible in both teams as they struggled to initiate meaningful attacks from their wings.
The halftime mark came with the two teams tied to a 2–2 draw, leaving a lot of questions to be asked from both defensive structures.
Refreshed and in high hopes of having a much better second stanza, both outfits defended with purpose while Roodepoort City had a slight advantage going forward and finding their strikers with good quality ball.
In no time City’s efforts were rewarded when defender Bafana Chabalala played a long ball that found a perfectly positioned team mate who made no mistake in hitting the back of the net to put his side ahead 3–2.
An opportunity went begging after brilliant interplay from Lebona Mako and Khathutshelo Monyama; however, the ball evaded a team mate and went out for a goal kick.
The match ended with Roodepoort West Campus staging a comeback that saw them score two goals in the nick of time and win the match 4–3.
The Association would like to appeal to clubs, SAFA Regions and SAFA Provincial Structures to adhere to the SAFA Covid-19 Health and Safety Directive at all times to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus.
