Nie Cele
Its official, Premier Soccer League and GladAfrica Championship fixtures are expected to resume next month 8th August.
This was revealed by PSL Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza following a virtual Board of Governors meeting where deliberations about the resumption of the stalled 2019/20 season were discussed.
According to Khoza, The Board of Governors unanimously agreed to resume the season on the said date.
But, the first fixture will be the Nedbank Cup Semifinals, where Bidvest Wits is expected to host Mamelodi Sundowns in the first semi-finals, while Baroka FC and Bloemfontein Celtics will contest the other.
Kick-off times and venues are yet to be announced.
This will be followed by the Absa Premiership and GladAfrica Championship fixtures.
Furthermore, dates and kick-off times will be confirmed in due course.
According to Khoza, This announcement will assist in lifting the mood of the country and also in mitigating some of the challenges faced by the country and the global community.
“We have informed our stakeholders including the Minister of Sport, the MEC of Sport in Gauteng, SAFA, the broadcasters SuperSport, Absa, Nedbank, GladAfrica and SAFPU about the plans. All the clubs in the PSL have made it possible in making sure they comply with the protocols,” He said.
Khoza, also hinted and confirmed that the remainder of the season will be played in a biological safe environment (BSE).
“The League will communicate further details in due course,” He said.
Meanwhile, SAFA Medical Officer and Chief
Compliance Officer, Dr Thulani Ngwenya says they are working flat out to put
referees into great shape ahead of National Soccer League resumption scheduled
for next month.
“SAFA has stepped up the efforts to make sure
all officials are tested for Covid-19 and are in good physical condition in
preparations for the resumption of Premier Soccer League and National First
Division matches.”
Ngwenya
also revealed that of all the officials tested, only three had come back
positive.
“Only three referees tested positive for
Covid-19 but are all asymptomatic. We are monitoring them on a daily basis and
they are quarantining on the other wing of the hotel,” He said.
Ngwenya
also stressed that, all of the match officials in camp were looking in good
shape and come August, will be ready for the arduous test.
