SAFA confirms latest on resumption of PSL football

SAFA have confirmed that they have received a confirmation letter from the South African government, and are currently piercing together the processes in motion in order to ensure a safe return to football.

Read: KZN leading race to host PSL resumption

This week, top-flight teams resumed training after their processes were given the green light in accordance with the Government’s regulations during level 03 of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Gallery: PSL | Mamelodi Sundowns Vs Kaizer Chiefs - Mamelodi Sundowns |  Official Website
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in action. (Image: Sundownsfc.co.za)

The local football governing body have now since confirmed what their latest plans are.

“The Association has thereby appointed Dr Thulani Ngwenya and Mr Mlungisi Ncame as Compliance Officers to oversee the entire process as prescribed by the correspondence from the Minister, who requested that SAFA oversees the whole process on return to training and play,” SAFA confirmed on their official website.

Part of the letter from the Ministry reads:

1.The sport body (SAFA) must assume full responsibility for the safety and security of its members, staff and athletes in curbing the spread of COVID-19; and

2.Ensure that all its members comply with the provisions of these Directions, Regulations and any other applicable legislation;

3.A sport body (SAFA) and its affiliate members are jointly and severally responsible for any claim for damages or negligence arising as a result of failure to take reasonable measures in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

“Dr Ngwenya and Mr Ncame as well as SAFA CEO Advocate Tebogo Motlanthe, will be meeting with the National Soccer League (NSL) to discuss the logistics and implementation of the compliance requirements as set out in the compliance protocol put together by the Joint Liaison Committee (JLC) and approved by the government.

“It is this document that will guide the return to training and play processes.

“SAFA has already forwarded the response and directive from the Minister and subsequent SAFA’s approval response to FIFA as required by football practices.

“Meanwhile, SAFA will await the PSL meeting scheduled for Thursday, and for the Special Member’s input before rolling out the entire process,” SAFA concluded.

The date of when football will return is yet to be confirmed.