Fans to stage huge Soweto Derby protest
Football fans will gather outside Orlando Stadium to demand a return to stadiums after being prohibited from attending live sporting events.
Kickoff
Football fans are planning to stage a protest during the upcoming Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on 5 March to demand a return to stadiums.
Football lovers have been banned from stadiums since March 2020 due to government safety protocols in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Football Supporters Association (NAFSA) are now preparing a demonstration as a follow-up to a previous protest held by the Economic Freedom Fighters.
"It has been 19 months since supporters were last seen at stadiums due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as an organisation, we have tried all measures within our capacity to engage the South African Football Association, the ministry of sport and the PSL regarding a return to stadiums," NAFSA acting CEO Siyabulela Loyilane said.
"All these efforts have fallen on deaf ears.
"It is through this that we have decided to embark on a peaceful protest to Orlando Stadium at the upcoming Soweto Derby to voice our nationwide cry,” he said.
No violence, just football
"This is an ongoing campaign and is a follow-up to the joint picketing recently to the offices of the minister of sports, arts and culture, Nathi Mthethwa, in Pretoria."
The march is set to take place ahead of kick-off.
"This protest is open to anyone who deems themselves a football loyalist and is not just limited to supporters of the two teams that will be playing on the day," Loyilane added.
"We urge supporters to be peaceful as no violence will be tolerated. NAFSA will not be held liable for individuals who misbehave."
Football fans are planning to stage a protest during the upcoming Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on 5 March to demand a return to stadiums.
Football lovers have been banned from stadiums since March 2020 due to government safety protocols in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The National Football Supporters Association (NAFSA) are now preparing a demonstration as a follow-up to a previous protest held by the Economic Freedom Fighters.
"It has been 19 months since supporters were last seen at stadiums due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as an organisation, we have tried all measures within our capacity to engage the South African Football Association, the ministry of sport and the PSL regarding a return to stadiums," NAFSA acting CEO Siyabulela Loyilane said.
"All these efforts have fallen on deaf ears.
"It is through this that we have decided to embark on a peaceful protest to Orlando Stadium at the upcoming Soweto Derby to voice our nationwide cry,” he said.
No violence, just football
"This is an ongoing campaign and is a follow-up to the joint picketing recently to the offices of the minister of sports, arts and culture, Nathi Mthethwa, in Pretoria."
The march is set to take place ahead of kick-off.
"This protest is open to anyone who deems themselves a football loyalist and is not just limited to supporters of the two teams that will be playing on the day," Loyilane added.
"We urge supporters to be peaceful as no violence will be tolerated. NAFSA will not be held liable for individuals who misbehave."
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