Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 02:40 pm
The North West Department of Arts, Culture and Sport together with various stakeholders held an urgent meeting on Friday morning to finalise a proposal for Sun City and Royal Bafokeng Sports to host the remaining 2019/20 Premier Soccer League (PSL) season matches.
In an official letter seen by Sport24, the North West provincial government requested an urgent meeting to be attended by the Rustenburg local municipality and the SAFA representative in the North West.
All stakeholders then received a presentation by Royal Bafokeng Sports in their bid to host the remaining Absa Premiership, GladAfrica Championship and Nedbank Cup matches this season.
The purpose of the meeting was highlighted as an opportunity for all stakeholders to give feedback before a consolidated provincial bid will be submitted to PSL for approval.
According to previous reports, the PSL favoured the option of being based in a World Cup-styled camp where they could stage a “football festival”.
The government on 24 June gave the go-ahead for the PSL to resume training while saying that the protocols submitted in an NSL directive on return to training went beyond their minimum safety requirements.
A return to play looks increasingly likely after soccer body, CAF announced the postponement of all continental competitions including the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The venue proposal, which was presented in Friday’s meeting, is a joint project by Royal Bafokeng Sports and Sun International to act as a bio-safe environment where all 32 PSL teams and members of staff will be based. The proposal submitted the following solutions.
Reasons cited as to why the North West should be chosen as host:
North West Province has one of the lowest active Covid-19 confirmed cases.
Available infrastructure and capacity requirements for the PSL to resume.
Offers a joint proposal with reputable brand strength. Can deliver the requirements within a controlled, secluded and secured environment.
Royal Bafokeng has the necessary medical expertise and infrastructure to facilitate this process.
Sun City and Marang can cover the entire ecosystem of players, staff, technical, officials and broadcasters.
Has options available as quarantine sites for potential outbreaks without impacting the National efforts.
Sun City has been proposed as an adequate venue as it has the capacity to accommodate all required role players, including all teams in a secluded environment.
Sun City features as primary accommodation:
Laundry Facilities.
Open lawn areas that can be used for light training and leg stretching.
19 small conference rooms that can be used as team rooms.
Over 10 buses on site that can be used for transportation with an option of hiring extra from our local suppliers.
Helipad with four landings.
Experienced event managers and coordinators that can assist in planning and execution of the event.
Free WIFI in all hotel rooms and venues.
Access to pools and Valley of Waves.
(Sports24)
