Sport fans eager to fill stadium’s again
Many football supporters in Mbombela expressed their excitement about getting back into the local stadium to watch their favourite teams.
Almost two years after the outbreak of Covid-19, which prevented large gatherings from taking place, and with sporting events being played behind closed doors, fans can now go back into the stands to support and cheer on their favourite teams.
Addressing the nation on developments in the country’s response to the pandemic last Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the approach going forward is that both indoor and outdoor venues can now take up to 50% of their capacity.
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However, the criteria for entrance to an event is proof of vaccination, or a Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours. He said following consultations and the recommendations of the National Coronavirus Command Council, the cabinet has decided to place an upper limit on the number of people who can attend a gathering.
“Where there is no provision for proof of vaccination or a Covid-19 test, the current upper limit will remain 1 000 people indoors and 2 000 outdoors,” he said.
“This change will be of great benefit to the sporting, cultural, entertainment and events industries, in particular. This means that if we are vaccinated or have recently been tested negative, we will be able to watch sports in stadiums and attend music concerts, theatre performances, conferences and other events.”
Ramaphosa’s announcement means that stadiums such as the one in Mbombela, which accommodates 45 000 spectators, can now take up to 20 000 fans.
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One of the fans, Mpendulo Msimango, a supporter of TS Galaxy, was very excited and mentioned how it great it would be if PSL allows fans back. “I think it’s high time we are allowed to go back into the stadiums. Sport is very interesting when you are watching it live at the stadiums. Many people are now vaccinated.”
“We have been waiting for this moment for so long and we are happy that it has finally arrived. We will go back and fill the stadiums. We hope that amateur soccer tournaments such as the Selati Cup will also be brought back,” said the soccer administrator, Thokozani Mkhathswa.
