This comes after the government recently announced the opening of stadiums to a 50% capacity for all outdoor sporting events.

While limited fans have been attending sporting matches in other codes such as rugby, cricket and athletics, the PSL refuse to allow the return of fans. The PSL stated that the clubs would run at a loss with only limited fans in attendance.

After an agonising two-year wait, fully vaccinated fans will get their first taste of domestic action from next week Friday for the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.

The chairman of the PSL, Irvin Khoza, announced the eagerly anticipated return of fans during a press conference on Tuesday.

“The executive committee has on Wednesday set out the steps to be taken with the return of fans while emphasising guidelines to be followed.

“The member clubs are encouraged to adhere to these guidelines to ensure the return of fans in a responsible and safe fashion.

“The league has earmarked the Nedbank Cup quarter-final matches of the 8th and 9th of April as the first matches that will be open to spectators.

“It will be difficult to start this weekend, as I've indicated that most of those matches have been categorised and approved.

“I must emphasise that the issue of proof of vaccination is very important for supporters when they attend.

“You will be required to provide your vaccination certificate and ID - this is crucial as we are earmarking a 100% capacity return to stadiums for all fans.

“Also crucially, we need to make clear that we value all the fans' support over all these years, that's why we had to take these precautionary steps to follow safety guidelines.”

The first quarter-final will see Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila hosting SuperSport United at the Thoyondou Stadium.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport