2022 World Cup qualifier: South Africa to welcome fans back into the stadium

Published on: 05 October 2021

South Africa are preparing to welcome back supporters into the stadium for the remaining matches in the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

The country's Health minister Joe Phaahla  and SAFA boss Dr Danny Jordan will hold a joint press conference in Pretoria on Friday to make the announcement.

South Africa shut down the various stadias in the country due the coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the country.

Their  government has come under increasing pressure to allow fans to attend matches amid the country's quest to qualify for the global mundial in Qatar next year.

The return of fans to the stadiums will expedite the vaccination drive and in the same breath stimulate the informal economic sector of taxis who drive spectators to the stadiums and those who sell their commodities to the fans.

The Health Minister said he was appreciative of football’s support to drive for mass vaccinations and at the same time help the informal sectors earn a living by fans returning to the stadium.

’This is music in my ears. It is a win-win situation, it will spur all and sundry, the clubs, players and the football business.

‘’We also want other sectors of the economy to return to normalcy if most of the population is vaccinated – sectors such as tourism, restaurants etc. So, I am here to embrace and fully support SAFA’s initiative,’’ he said.

"By getting vaccinated, life can return to what it used to be, and the society can get along with their normal daily lives," he said.

SAFA President Jordaan said the Association was committed to seeing South Africans getting vaccinated. SAFA fully support the initiative and will use football to accelerate the process.

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