South Africa Premier Soccer League (PSL) Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has announced the suspension of matches scheduled for the remainder of the week. The suspension of games comes at the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic.

At a briefing held this afternoon, Dr Khoza said that the PSL is considering options on how to complete the remaining matches.

This would mean tomorrow’s crunch Absa Premiership tie between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, which was expected to sell out the 50,000-seat Loftus Versfeld, will not go ahead. On Wednesday, Kaizer Chiefs were set to host Bidvest Wits.

The decision comes after South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the COVID-19 a National disaster and made it clear that gatherings of 100 or more people would be prohibited as the government attempts to contain the spread of the pandemic, which has wreaked havoc across the globe.

Fans have been advised not to travel for the games while the teams have been urged to keep on training during the stated period.

SAFA had earlier in the day released a statement advising its members to suspend football activities of 100 plus people.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Thamsanqa Gay Mokena said the measure taken by Government has a direct impact on all football activities.

“Some of the football authorities elsewhere in the world have taken measures such as playing matches in empty stadiums without spectators. This response has not proven to be effective in minimizing the spread of the virus. In Europe, some players who were participating in matches behind closed doors have recently been found to be positive. Therefore, we do not believe that the practice of playing behind closed doors is effective,” Mokoena said.

“Following on our statement of last week in which we had indicated that it was not necessary to postpone or suspend the domestic football program at that stage, circumstances have changed drastically for the worse. Government has called on all stakeholders to take all necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus,” he added.

He said the National Executive Committee of the South African Football Association (SAFA) have resolved that all members of SAFA are advised to suspend and/or postpone all football matches and football events that are attended by more 100 people in the country until further notice.

Mokena said SAFA will be in contact with the Health Authorities and will be reviewing the situation on an on-going basis and that Members will be advised on a continuous basis accordingly.

This is SAFA’s effort to promote the health and safety of all its members including players, officials, sponsors and staff.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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