Local teams resume training as SAFA gives greenlight
No spectators will be allowed during training sessions or matches, and all teams will be required to buy scanners for temperature checks.
The South African Football Association has given the green light for the recommencement of non-professional football. While matches are only scheduled to kick-off in March, SAFA has permitted teams to begin training immediately. Training sessions are, however, to be observed under strict protocols.
“Clubs can commence training with immediate effect. However, the SAFA COVID-19 Health and Safety Directive must be observed at all times,” read a statement released by SAFA on Tuesday.
No spectators will be allowed during training sessions or matches, and all teams will be required to buy scanners for temperature checks.
Previously scheduled to kick-off on the 8th of February, the first Gauteng SASOL League fixtures have now been pushed back to early April. But even with a month to go, Sowetan outfit, Diepkloof ladies is not waiting for a second invitation.
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“The news came through yesterday, and we decided to resume training this morning,” the team’s Coach, Peter Mafa confirmed on Wednesday.
According to the Coach, the reason for the side’s urgency was to boost fitness levels ahead of the new season,
“Fitness levels are understandably low, it’s been a long time since the players have been in competitive action. We want to start the season on the front foot and show what we are capable of. We know fitness will be a crucial part of that,” he added.
As per the new league fixture, Diepkloof Ladies will kick off the 2021 season with an away trip to Balfour, where they will take on Croesus. Back in Soweto, their neighbors Soweto Fabulous will also open their campaign on the same day with a crunching clash against Luso Africa.
With renovations of the Nike Football Training Center only scheduled to be completed in September 2021, both Soweto Fabulous and Diepkloof Ladies have had to find a place new to call home in the meantime. It will be interesting to see how the two sides adapt to unfamiliar ‘home’ games.
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