Chiefs and Pirates players shake hands during the 2017/18 Absa Premiership football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at Soccer City, Soweto on 03 March 2018 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
PSL inches closer to return as Safa allows training to resume
Safa says training can now resume, but only under strict safety measures.
Chiefs and Pirates players shake hands during the 2017/18 Absa Premiership football match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at Soccer City, Soweto on 03 March 2018 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
The South African Football Association (Safa) confirmed on Friday that players can resume training under strict social distancing measures.
Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa had given contact sports the green light to return to the training field under Level 3 lockdown regulations.
Special measures placed ahead of soccer’s return
This is after all organised matches in the country were suspended in March, weeks before South Africa entered into lockdown.
With only non-contact sports allowed to return to competitive action, athletes participating in codes such as soccer and rugby can now only train if they comply with special regulations put in place.
According to Safa, all teams wills will now need to test players for COVID-19, as well as chronic medical conditions.
Also required is the disinfection of the training venue as well as the daily screening of players and non-playing personnel.
“All teams are encouraged to undertake strict hand and respiratory hygiene and have a consulting Doctor at all times as stipulated in the return to football protocol adopted by JLC,” Safa said in a statement.”
There should be continuous education about COVID-19 and the Federation must appoint a compliance officer in writing.”
South African Football Association
PSL a step closer to a return
This is a big step towards the anticipated resumption of the PSL, which has been suspended indefinitely since mid-March.
When the last top-flight fixtures were played, Kaizer Chiefs were in pole position for their first league title in five years, followed closely by defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who are just four points behind with a game in hand.
In the second tier, Ajax Cape Town are poised for a return to the premiership after two seasons in the first division, with Soweto giants Moroka Swallows also within a fair shot of making the promotion/relegation playoffs.
Should Safa be given the go-ahead to stage matches in the coming weeks, it will likely be behind closed doors with no spectators allowed.
