Gauteng ready to roll-out the carpet for the resumption of football

The South African Football Association has given the green light for resumption of the 2019/2020 season.

Over the next six weeks, Gauteng will be the exclusive home of football, where over 100 matches will be played for the crowning of champions of the Premier Soccer League (PSL), First Division and Nedbank Cup.

The province has been judged ready and best suited to host 32 teams under a strict bio-safe bubble.

The decision is a demonstration of Gauteng’s ability to attract and successfully host quality global and local events.

“We are delighted that we could be hosts of the resumption of the beautiful game.

“We want to thank PSL for trusting us in helping them successfully concluding their programme after four months of inaction.

“Looking back to the work and investment we did for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, we are excited to see our efforts carrying us through to be the preferred host of this major event, albeit, unfortunately, without fans in attendance,” said Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe.

Throughout its municipalities, Gauteng has world-class infrastructure that meets any required safety measures and standards.

The games will be held across 16 venues in the cities of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Tshwane.

The safety measures include a bio-bubble method where players and officials of each team will be together in a strictly controlled environment.

“Our collaborative infrastructure includes sporting facilities for training and matches, hotels and hospitality services, health and wellness, transport and communications networks which all provide an environment that meets the requirements to ensure the remainder of football can be completed in line with Covid-19 health and safety protocols,” emphasised Hlophe.

According to Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO Yoland Kona, since its birth football has been integral to communities.

“It is more than a game, more than a sport; it is a way of life that we all embrace.

“In this time of uncertainty, may we be reminded of this defining role – that every goal and every tackle gives hope to those directly or indirectly affected by the virus, and continue to work together to combat the pandemic with the same spirit shown by the community of fans and supporters of the beautiful game,” she said.

Hlophe also paid tribute to fans.

“Our decision to support PSL conclude its season was made mainly with fans in mind, to allow them to see all the action to the finish.

“We want football to be settled on the field and not in the boardrooms, knowing the bragging rights and joy it brings to the supporters.

“As Gauteng, we are certain that amid the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 restrictions and protocols, working together with our partners we’ll deliver a successful programme of football to conclude the 2019/20 season.

“In good times, and even more so in these challenging times, Gauteng is behind you all the way,” he said.