With the PSL set to resume this weekend and the GladAfrica Championship shortly thereafter, teams from South Africa's third tier however cannot follow suit, as huge financial implications place a burden on teams.
It has been more than a week since PSL chairman Irvin Khoza announced the dates for a return to football. The Orlando Pirates supremo revealed the league's idea for a bio-bubble aimed at keeping clubs safe as they strive to complete what is left of the 2019/20 season.
As part of the requirements for the Bbio-bubble, was the testing of players and officials. Khoza revealed that clubs are allowed maximum capacity of 50 players and staff that would undergo two rounds of COVID-19 testing before entering the bubble.
While it is all systems go for the top two leagues in the country, the same cannot be said for teams in the ABC Motsepe League, who have been on a hiatus for well over five months.
The problem faced by most teams is the cost of testing for players and officials.
An average COVID-19 test in South Africa costs around R1000, and with most third division clubs in the country consisting of around 40 members or more, their total costs for two rounds of testing could amount to ±R80 000. A bill that teams will have to foot themselves.
Currently campaigning in the North West ABC Motsepe League, 2019 Varsity Cup-winning coach Karabo Masehela, who led North West University to their maiden trophy last season has revealed the impact of the hiatus on the team.
"SAFA has actually said that some of the teams lack resources and so forth. In that I am referring to financial, infrastructure, facilities everything, so it might have an effect on clubs that are struggling. It's not like PSL and NFD cubs who receive that monthly grant that's sufficient. The University has resources yes, but some of the other teams have difficulties," Masehela said.
As for the way forward, the young coach says it is a waiting game now as teams await official communication from SAFA.
"They are still having discussions on whether we can resume or not, we are still waiting on SAFA to come and give us feedback," Masehela concluded.
