The Premier Soccer League’s executive committee has convened for another round of meetings this morning to make a decision on the return of football.
With the 2019/20 season halted by the Coronavirus pandemic since mid-March, chairman Irvin Khoza and the league have been trying to figure out a way to resume and complete the campaign under strict health and safety regulations.
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It was thought there would be clarity earlier this week with the joint liaison committee, which includes representatives from both the PSL and SAFA, scheduled to meet, but that gathering never materialised, leading to more speculation about proposals made behind closed doors – among them a suggestion to start playing as of July 1.
To date, there has been no official word about any plans – the Minister of Sport, Nathi Mthethwa, urging Khoza and SAFA president Danny Jordaan to speak with “one voice”, which triggered the decision to form a task team to report back on Tuesday.
That never happened!
PSL spokesperson Luxolo September confirmed on Thursday morning that the Exco was locked in a meeting, but did not commit to issuing an update later in the day.
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The Siya crew understands that there are lots to discuss, including – but not limited to:
- Return to play protocols
- Fixtures scheduled World Cup style
- Prospective venues
- How to play 54 fixtures, including second division matches
- Nedbank Cup semifinals
- July 1 restart
Even if the PSL exco come to an agreement, whatever is discussed must be tabled at the joint liaison committee meeting with SAFA before a proposal is presented to the government. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday confirmed the country would move to level 3 of the lockdown regulations, but emphasised that there can be no sports during this time, and it remains to be seen whether this has dealt a blow to the PSL’s plans. Kaizer Chiefs were leading the log table after 22 matches, with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns hot on their heels, before the league was suspended. Some have argued Amakhosi should be handed the title, but the majority of the clubs want to resume and complete the season - fairly.
Story by @superjourno
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