The South African Football Association (Safa) on January 8 suspended all non-professional football activities with immediate effect.
The announcement was made as the country continues to face increasing numbers of Covid-19 infections.
The suspension included training sessions, courses, workshops and all matches.
Speaking on behalf of the Springs Local Football Association (SLFA), president Innocent Mayoyo said it is difficult for local federations to conform to regulations such as sanitisation, social distancing and so forth.
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“Therefore, we are in agreement with the decision that has been taken and have suspended all activities until further notice.
“However, certain teams playing in the first divisions have been allowed to train at 30 per cent capacity.
“We are likely to review the current rule between February 19 and 20,” he said.
The football association is set to review the decision on January 31, when the association will make further risk assessments and advise, as explained in its media statement.
“This extraordinary step is taken in the interest of safety of players, technical staff, administrators, match officials, the media and all other personnel involved in the organisation and staging of matches and other football events.
“Professional football will continue under the measures already being implemented by our Special Member, the National Soccer League.
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“This must, however, be done in compliance with the applicable protocols of Government’s Risk Adjusted Strategy of the Disaster Management Act with respect to the curfew and closure of venues and as it is further explained in the directives issued by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture,” said head of communications Dominic Chimhavi.
Brakpan Local Football Association chairperson Phoko Mokubung said they respect the decision.
“The pandemic is becoming more and more vicious and, unfortunately, our youth have no respect for the law and teams do not have proper management structures in place.
“This is why we fully respect the decision and have suspended all sporting activities.
“As much as this will affect our progress we have hope that something will give,” he said.
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He added that the registering of players on MySafa will cause a huge backlog.
“Registering of players has also been placed on hold.
“Our junior league was supposed to have already started but adjustments and new schedules will be made available once the suspension has been lifted,” he said.
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