Maritzburg Sun (South Africa)

The return of fans will uplift the Team of Choice

- Nombizethu Ngcobo

Despite the 50% stadium capacity, Maritzburg United is ecstatic about having spectators back at the stadium to watch the action-packed game of football. The Team of Choice’s much anticipate­d first home game with fans at the stadium will be on Tuesday, April 12, playing against Moroka Swallows FC at the Harry Gwala stadium.

The DStv Premiershi­p clash between these teams was scheduled to get underway at 8:15pm on Saturday at the Harry Gwala Stadium, but was reschedule­d due to the heavy rain.

The match officials waited for the situation to improve, but eventually called for a postponeme­nt at 8:45pm as the pitch was unplayable. Speaking to Capital Newspapers about their state of readiness for the game, the manager of sponsorshi­p and community, Ranjin Bharath said the club is fully prepared to implement the rules and regulation­s as set out by government to create a safe environmen­t for all their fans.

He also mentioned that fans have been yearning to see the Team of Choice in action, and they are anticipati­ng fans coming out in numbers, provided they are fully vaccinated and meet with the regulation­s set out by the government.

“We are certain that the return of fans to the stadium will have a positive impact on the game itself, and certainly uplift the players. Our aim is to maintain our status in the PSL and continue to bring entertainm­ent to our City of Choice,” said Bharath.

He added that fans have always had a positive impact on the games in the stadium and Bharath is certain it will lift the team's spirit immensely.

“The past two years were challengin­g. Playing for empty stadiums does not feel right. The atmosphere is certainly missing and the added motivation that the fans bring to the stadium was sorely missed," he said.

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