This morning the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs gazetted the return of spectators for a maximum of 2000 vaccinated supporters.

The South African Football Association confirmed the good news.

"The South African Football Association (SAFA) would like to thank the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture as well as the Minister of Health for their support of the ground-breaking initiative of the Return of Fans to the stadium.

"The two ministries need to be commended for their efforts as Tuesday, 12 October will mark the first time fans will return to the stadium after two years away from their favourite pastime due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

"This initiative is part of SAFA using football as a tonic and to expedite mass vaccinations that will enable society to return to normalcy. Tuesday’s process will be fully administered by SAFA, the Stadium Management and the two Government Ministries."

It is a pilot project with the aim of opening all sports stadiums in the coming months.

The South Africa Football Association are now targeting getting a 50% capacity for next month’s Soweto derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.

Tuesday evening’s game kicks off at 18:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport