COVID-19: ‘Plans of the Premier Soccer League approved’ – Mthethwa

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa, on Wednesday 24 June, said the plans of the Premier Soccer League have been approved, considering the mitigation strategies and plans in relation to the Level 3 risk-adjusted strategy and COVID-19.

This comes after Mthethwa published gazetted directions relating to COVID-19 Level 3 Regulations on 28 May 2020, which covered the resumption of sports activities. 

PREMIER SOCCER LEAGUE PLANS APPROVED

Mthethwa said different sports bodies are submitting their plans to indicate their state of readiness, as well as, the stringent health protocols they will implement in accordance with the prescribed regulations and directions. 

“The plans of the Premier Soccer League have been approved, considering the mitigation strategies and plans in relation to the Level 3 risk-adjusted strategy in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mthethwa.

“The plans have further been subject to analysis by Health authorities, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) who have recommended that the measures put in place by the organisation meet and in some instances exceed the required protocol for a safe return to training and to play in a biologically safe environment,” the ministry added. 

Ministry spokesperson Mickey Modisane said it is at the PSL’s discretion to make its plan public.

On 17 June, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the easing of restrictions on certain economic activities. The activities included non-contact sports such as golf, tennis, cricket and others. 

“Contact sports will be allowed only for training and modified activities with restricted use of facilities,” said Ramaphosa. 

“In each instance, specific and stringent safety requirements have been agreed on and will need to be put in place before a business can re-open, and protocols will need to be strictly adhered to for businesses to remain open,” he added. 

GAZETTED REGULATIONS FOR RESUMPTION OF SPORT

Gazetted regulations published on 11 June stipulate the following:

• Non-contact sport is allowed from the date of publication;
• Non-contact sports matches may take place in a stadium without spectators;
• All sports bodies must within 14 days of the published regulations, provide the minister with an operation plan and dates of resumption of training and matches;
• A sporting body must keep a register of players which must be archived for a period of no less than six months;
• All sports bodies, including the Premier Soccer League, must comply with guidelines for quarantine and isolation in relation to COVID-19;
• All officials including players, athletes, match officials, support staff, journalists, television crew including radio commentators must be subjected to temperature screening before entering a venue; and
• A designated COVID-19 compliance officer must oversee the implementation of the operational plan.

SAFA: ALL TEAMS TO BE TESTED FOR COVID-19 

According to the South African Football Association (Safa), all teams will need to test players for COVID-19, as well as for chronic medical conditions.

The disinfection of the training venue is also required, as well as, the daily screening of players and non-playing personnel. The Premier Soccer League would have had to take these protocols into account.

“All teams are encouraged to undertake strict hand and respiratory hygiene and have a consulting Doctor at all times as stipulated in the return to football protocol adopted by JLC,” Safa said in a statement.

“There should be continuous education about COVID-19 and the Federation must appoint a compliance officer in writing,” it added.