Local soccer fans have a longer wait

The resumption of the ABC Motsepe and regional league competitions still remain a far-off hope for local soccer fans.

Sport, arts and culture minister Nathi Mthethwa announced at the weekend that non-contact sports could resume under level 3, with all athletes given the green light to return to training.

On Monday, after a Safa-PSL Joint Liaison Committee (JLC) meeting, Safa published a statement in which it welcomed the minister s decision.

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In the JLC meeting, a report describing conditions and protocols needed before soccer could return was also adopted.

The report was compiled by a task team formed by the two bodies.

Soccer is, however, on a tight schedule, with FIFA having decreed that domestic leagues have to be completed by July 31.

On the return of the beautiful game to local pitches, Safa Chris Hani chairperson Sandile Mata said they would have to take their cue from the mother body.

We have to

“understand that these are abnormal times,” said Mata.

Though understanding the eagerness for the local leagues, he added that higher leagues would have to return first. The regional

“league will not be competing before the ABC Motsepe, nor will that resume before the Glad Africa competition, nor the PSL,” he said.