Soccer fans wait with bated breath to see how the PSL will decide to end the season

Some soccer enthusiasts in Limpopo say any decision which will be taken by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) on how the 2019-2020 PSL season should end will not satisfy everyone.

Matches were suspended last month following the outbreak COVID-19.

Fans say the season should, however, end in a fair manner.

Just like other football leagues in various parts of the world, it is not yet clear whether the PSL fixtures will continue or be cancelled following its suspension in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soccer fans have different views on the options which the PSL must take.

In the video below, PSL Chairperson Irvin Khoza suspends PSL fixtures:

Meanwhile, Headcoach of relegation-threatened Polokwane City, Clinton Larsen says government decision on whether the lockdown is extended or not, will give PSL guidance on how the season must end.  He says there is still a chance to play the six remaining games to complete the season.

“All depends on government decision whether the lockdown has been extended and how long is extended for because is only six games left. There’s probably a chance that we could complete those games if we play two games a week or three then a league is done. It is very difficult, is very unfair to the teams on the bottom because every team still feel they have the ability to save log,” says Larsen.

Baroka FC are also sitting at the relegation zone in the PSL log.

Coach Dylan Kerr says he believes that FIFA will come up with a recommendation which will be adhered to by all football bodies on how season should end.

With six games remaining, PSL tail-enders Black Leopards are separated by three points with other three relegation-threatened clubs.

Coach Alan Clark says teams will need time to regain fitness levels when soccer resumes.

“The government has done well to control the spread of COVID-19. I think all the teams will need some time in order to prepare themselves physically for the game that will come to you. It has been quite a long time off now. It’s been four weeks.”

When the fixtures were suspended, Kaizer Chiefs were leading the log with four points between them and the second position club, Mamelodi Sundowns. The PSL could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.

Mthethwa says PSL fixtures can continue behind closed doors

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa has given the go-ahead for the Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches to be played behind closed doors during this period.

Mthethwa says given the sponsorship and broadcasting commitments of the league and also the need to spread the message against this pandemic, the league can continue with their programme behind closed doors.

Mthethwa explains:

The decision to give the PSL the go-ahead with their programme behind closed doors is also proving to be unpopular with the public.

Mthethwa had also earlier commended the PSL for introducing ideas like not shaking of hands before the start of the game.

In the audio below, Mthethwa explains:

– Report by Velile Mnyandu