Gauteng Ready to Roll-Out the Carpet for the Resumption of Football
The Gauteng City Region welcomes the decision to bring football to its shores for the conclusion of the 2019/20 season.
Over the next six weeks the golden province will be the exclusive home of football, where over 100 matches will be played for the crowning of champions of the Premier league, 1st division and the Nedbank Cup.
The province has been adjudged ready and best suited to host 32 teams under a strict bio-safe bubble. The decision is a demonstration of its (province’s) ability to attract and successfully host quality global and local events.
“We are delighted that we could be hosts of the resumption of the beautiful game. We want to thank the PSL for trusting us in helping them successfully concluding their programme after four months of inaction. Looking back to the work and investment we did for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, we are excited to see our efforts carrying us through to be the preferred host of this major event albeit, unfortunately without fans in attendance,” says Gauteng MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Mbali Hlophe.
Throughout its municipalities, Gauteng has world class infrastructure that meets any required safety measures and standards. The games will be held across 16 venues in the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. The safety measures include a “bio-bubble” method where players and officials of each team will be together in a strictly controlled environment.
“Our collaborative infrastructure includes sporting facilities for training and matches, hotels and hospitality services, health and wellness, transport and communications networks which all provide an environment that meets the requirements to ensure that the remainder of football can be completed in line with Covid-19 health and safety protocols,” emphasised MEC Hlophe.
As the city region of South Africa, it is our vision to position Gauteng as a globally competitive destination of choice. This principle also accompanies us during this difficult period of a COVID-19 global pandemic. Moments like these call upon to be the best of ourselves, and we remain committed to welcoming you with the same warmth and hospitality we have always had, whilst adhering to all the necessary health and safety protocols.
“Since its birth, football has been integral to our communities. It is more than a game, more than a sport; it is a way of life that we all embrace. In this time of uncertainty, may we be reminded of this defining role – that every goal and every tackle gives hope to those directly or indirectly affected by the virus, and continue to work together to combat the pandemic with the same spirit shown by the community of fans and supporters of the beautiful-game,” highlighted Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO Yoland Kona.
MEC Hlophe also paid tribute to fans, “Our decision to support the PSL conclude its season was made mainly with the fans in mind, to allow them to see all the action to the finish. We want football to be settled on the field and not in the boardrooms knowing the bragging rights and joy it brings to the supporters.
“As Gauteng we are certain that amid the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 restrictions and protocols, working together with our partners we’ll deliver a successful programme of football to conclude the 2019/20 season. In good times, and even more so in these challenging times, Gauteng is behind you all the way.”
For more information:
Ofentse Mogotsi: MEC’s Spokesperson
Cell: 066 299 1139
Ofentse.Mogotsi@gauteng.gov.za
Nomazwe Ntlokwana: Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 083 507 8068
