SEDIBENG. – Yours truly, Zakes’ Sports Corner, attended the pre-season friendly match between Perfect Academy and Orlando Pirates at George Thabe Stadium this past weekend.

The two sides used the match to prepare for the upcoming DSTV Diski Challenge (DDC) and the SAFA Sedibeng Hollywood Men’s Regional League, respectively.

But that’s not really the point here.

What struck me is that George Thabe Stadium can clearly host DDC matches.

Zakes’ Sports Corner was under the impression, based on what I was told two or three years ago, that the venue did not meet PSL standards. Yet, after seeing the venue again this weekend, Zakes’ Sport Corner believes that it can easily host DDC games, including the Motsepe Foundation Championship games.

So why is this historic venue being overlooked?

Why is the PSL ignoring it?

Bring football back to the people, to the community, and you’ll see how much it is appreciated. Hosting games only in the suburbs does nothing for attendance. Think back to the days of Kasi football, when Sharpeville’s George Thabe Stadium and Kwa-Masiza Stadium in Sebokeng were packed to capacity whenever Vaal Professionals played.

These stadiums were within walking distance of the community – and the fans showed up in numbers.

Zakes’ Sports Corner challenges the PSL to consider George Thabe Stadium for DDC matches because there is nothing wrong with the venue. In fact, some DDC games are played at far worse facilities. Zakes’ Sports Corner believes that there was not enough effort to convince the PSL to bring the DDC games to the venue.

For that, I blame our own local municipality.

They simply do not take football seriously!

Remember, this is the same stadium that served as a training base during the 2010 World Cup, Ivory Coast used it throughout the tournament. The grass was top class! However, the lack of maintenance from the municipality neglected the venue.

History is going to judge us harshly!