Following the onset of COVID-19 in South Africa, the South African Football Association suspended all the matches they had scheduled. It was after President Ramaphosa declared the virus a national disaster.
SAFA had planned to resume the matches in early April this year. However, the President declared a lockdown as the corona cases were tremendously increasing in the country. It meant the League was still on suspension till further notice. No one was about to disobey an order from the Head of State.
Effects of COVID-19 on Football
Disappointed Fans
Coronavirus largely impacted on South African football. Especially since football is an activity that most people love in the country. When it comes to football, there is never an in attendance; fans are that loyal. Most football enthusiasts in the country have been disappointed since the suspension of the matches. No Football life isn’t something that most had expected would last long.
Threat on Player Contract and Suspension of Matches
Media houses that provided news on sports and football had few viewers, readers, and listeners, which is not suitable for business. There is also the possibility of invalid player contracts. Because of the suspension of football matches, player contracts may expire. However, FIFA considered whether the arrangements could exceed June, depending on the spread of the virus. Different clubs had to halt their training sessions, allowing the players to go in self-isolation. The suspension was untimely and inconveniencing especially, for teams that had already spent on training budget.
Financial Crisis
Meanwhile, as player contracts were under threat, players who purposed to join new teams were forced to remain in their current teams. As champion leagues remained suspended, the match officials received no salaries. The financial crisis is a problem for them since they can’t afford to pay for their bills. Therefore, the officials who had alternative sources of income are the ones who didn’t wrestle with the crisis amid the pandemic.
The Comeback
Football fans in the country have been surviving following months of no football. However, as of now, the matches have resumed although, behind closed doors. Football lovers now watch matches from home because of COVID-19. Brian Khuzwayo reports that watching from home isn’t so fun. He says it takes away the feel of the League.
“It kind of took away the look and feel of the League. Because, you know, you have to be there to feel the atmosphere, to feel the vibe,” Brian says.
Although football matches have resumed in the country, only players, and game officials attend. The fans are not allowed in the venues. Pretoria and Johannesburg are active grounds for the matches.
Benedict Vilakazi, a former footballer and coach, states that now is the time we need great coaches and not just right. For it is that coaches must psych the players to give it their best, as there are no fans to cheer. South Africans are known for their live performances while cheering and motivating players. However, this time, they will do it from the comfort of their homes. The most awaited championship finals will take place on 5th September.
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