WEDNESDAY, 12.15PM:
TOP soccer officials have sent an SOS to government for financial intervention to save the game.
Professional soccer clubs are looking to central government to intervene to halt the malaise, caused by poor crowd attendances, poor playing facilities and financial constraints, that is threatening the game.
Mamelodi Sundowns spokesman Alex Shakoane said in Johannesburg on Tuesday that the Premier Soccer League public relations comittee is doing everything it can to get fans to the games. “But we can’t do it alone. I am making a passionate appeal to everybody concerned to help get the message across to the fans to come to the games,” he said.
Shakoane said that it is economically tough for the fans to pay to see matches three times a week, adding that the game should be taken back to the townships. Shakoane added that the existing venues and facilities in the townships are central, and easily accessible to fans, but are not in good condition, and need to be upgraded.
“It is the responsibility of us all to do something about the situation and to ask the city councils and government to take us seriously,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs spokesman Louis Tshakoane said the Tembisa United football association has been upgrading a venue in Tembisa using R1,5-million of Chiefs’ money.
“We are taking this matter to the Gauteng central council, as we want to build the stadium for the people of Tembisa.” Tshakoane said.