Mthethwa responds to Malema’s PSL stadium ban.

Mthethwa responds to Malema’s PSL stadium ban.

‘It looks like there is a group of an African National Congress aligned elite, which is enjoying this thing of people watching from DStv because it means more money and viewership for DStv,’ said Julius Malema.

Minster of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has described demands for fans to return to Premier Soccer League matches as ‘uninformed’

‘Why is the PSL leadership quiet when political parties are busy in the soccer stadiums yet fans are not allowed’, Julia’s Malema

Julia’s Malema “We call on the leadership of the PSL not to be scared and be cowardice and challenge this government, they must not be seen to be light.

Why is the PSL leadership quiet when political parties are busy in the soccer stadiums yet soccer clubs (fans) are not allowed in the stadium. We want our soccer back, we want our entertainment back.”

Julius Malema, the head of the Economic Freedom Front, has been lobbying for fans to return to stadiums to watch PSL games this week.

“We are demanding that stadiums must be open, and if they are not by next Thursday (January 20), we will be picketing at the ministers’ office,” said Malema

Since Covid-19 arrived in South Africa in March 2020, the Premier Soccer League’s doors have remained closed to supporters for nearly two years. The leader of the red-beet party wants to carry the struggle to Mthethwa.

‌“Next week Thursday we are picketing at the Department of Sport to demand that it must suggest to that counsel (PSL) that the stadiums must be opened even if it is opened to limited numbers, we don’t care. If there are no results with that picket, we are going to Safa and the PSL (to picket),” said Malema, who is a high-profile Orlando Pirates supporter.

Mthethwa, on the other hand, issued a statement on Friday.

“The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has taken note of numerous public announcements advocating for the opening of stadiums,” read the statement.

“Regrettably, such calls are uninformed in light of the ongoing action taken by the DSAC over the last few months to enable access to stadiums, in a manner that protects both lives and livelihoods.”

Mthethwa also mentioned that beginning October 2021, 2000 fans have been allowed to attend matches.

“Success factors record following this approach include numerous games last year such as Bafana Bafana vs Ethiopia, Bafana Bafana vs Zimbabwe and the MTN8 … final,” added the statement.

Malema, on the other hand, has claimed that the Irvin Khoza-led PSL may be benefiting from the supporters’ ban from games locations.

“It looks like there is a group of an African National Congress aligned elite, which is enjoying this thing of people watching from DStv because it means more money and viewership for DStv. Those who don’t have DStv cannot enjoy the beauty of football,” Malema said.

He adds: “The Africa Cup of Nations is playing in Cameroon and people are at the stadiums, what is the difference here in South Africa? When the stadiums are open, the informal traders make a lot of money to feed their families in this era of high unemployment, so there are a lot of implications.”

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