Hosting PSL will be handy for KZN

ETHEKWINI Municipality and KwaZulu-Natal as a whole lost millions of rand due to the cancellation of the Durban July and the Comrades Marathon, but hosting the PSL’s proposed “bio bubble” restart will wipe those losses away.

The sense of anticipation is palpable about which province will host the completion of the 2019-20 league season and Nedbank Cup.

KZN is now the firm favourite to do so, but the province is competing against Gauteng.

KZN presented its bid two weeks ago and the league was apparently blown away.

The warm weather conditions in KZN have put the province ahead as the frontrunner, while its lower number of positive Covid-19 cases, compared to Gauteng has further cemented KZN as favourite to host the resumption and culmination of the league.

The PSL’s board of governors will meet today to deliberate on the matter.

The “bubble league” will last five weeks which means teams will be staying in the province for that period, generating a healthy income in the process.

Moses Mabhida Stadium, Kings Park, Princess Magogo Stadium, Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium, King Zwelithini Stadium, Chatsworth Stadium, Harry Gwala Stadium and Mpumalanga Stadium have all been identified as match venues by the KZN government.

But KZN is facing stiff competition from Gauteng, which boasts several world-class stadiums such as FNB Stadium, Orlando Stadium, Bidvest Stadium, Makhulong, Sinaba, Lucas Moripe, Loftus and Ellis Park.

The only concern for Gauteng is the number of Covid-19 cases, which has escalated in the past few days, as well as the chilly winter weather conditions.

It is possible that each province will host the PSL and GladAfrica Championship respectively, but all will hopefully be revealed in today’s meeting.

Either way, football fans will soon be able to enjoy PSL action again, and that will be a blessing for all stakeholders of the beautiful game.