According to high-ranking Siya sources, the Premier Soccer League executive committee is deliberating on whether to allow spectators for the Soweto Derby!
It's understood the trial run in the MTN8 final between Mamelodi Sundowns and Cape Town City at the weekend in Durban went smoothly without a hitch and this has paved the way for the league's hierarchy to discuss the way forward.
That, sources say, could be opening the gates to around 2000 fans to watch the DStv Premiership clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon using the same format.
View images of Downs players showing off their MTN8 medals...
In a statement last week, the PSL confirmed that there would be the maximum people allowed at outdoor events as per government's Covid-19 regulations.
But those numbers included both teams, working media and club officials with the required accreditation, while sponsors would use their discretion as to who gets the tickets to be able to sit in the stands for the cup final.
Clubs travelled with some of their non-playing delegates and were allocated tickets to hand out to "spectators" and the same applied to title sponsor, MTN.
The Siya crew understands this is what the PSL executive committee is contemplating yet again, with no final decision yet on doing this for the Soweto derby.
One of the issues could be that it is short notice for sponsors and the clubs given that there has been no official announcement as yet.
However, if this was in the planning phase around the same time the league took the decision to have up to 2000 people at the Moses Mabhida Stadium then perhaps the clubs wouldn't be caught off guard should a similar process be confirmed.
The league confirmed well in advance that the MTN8 would be used as a stress test, although costs and safety measure protocols remain a concern – only vaccinated people are allowed access to the stadiums.
Soccer Laduma had it confirmed last week that the PSL and SAFA have jointly drafted a proposal to allow at least 10 percent capacity at match venues, and this document is currently being reviewed by the Coronavirus Command Council before it can be approved by Cabinet.
DStv has planned at least two activities this week for the media and fans in a press conference setting in Johannesburg for the press to interact with players from both Chiefs and Pirates, while supporters will be part of a Soweto Derby experience at Southgate Mall between midday and 5pm on Friday.
Story by @superjourno
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