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JOHANNESBURG. — South African fans, who are vaccinated, can get free entry to watch the national team play Ethiopia in a World Cup qualifier next month, the country’s football association says.
SAFA president, Danny Jordaan, said the deal would apply to half the tickets.
It is subject to an agreement with the government and depends on how many fans show up, according to the News24 site.
The government is concerned about growing anti-vaccine sentiment in the country.
Bafana Bafana are in the same 2022 World Cup qualifying group, with the Warriors, and lead Group G, with four points, from their first two games.
They held the Warriors to a goalless draw, at the National Sports Stadium, last week before beating Ghana’s Black Stars 1-0, in Johannesburg.
The Warriors are bottom of the table, after a shock loss, to Ethiopia.
ZIFA saw their bid, to have fans watching the match between the Warriors and Bafana Bafana hit a snag after CAF turned down their request. The association had wanted to have, at least, 10 000 fans inside the National Sports Stadium.
“CAF analysed and assessed your request from a medical, stadium requirements compliance, and safety and security perspective in your venue.
“Accordingly, a decision has been taken not to allow the presence of spectators in the aforementioned match.”
It was a blow for the Warriors who would have certainly benefited from support coming out of the terraces.
The South Africans are now hoping to have fans cheering Bafana Bafana, in their next match, against the Ethiopians.
Only 10 million people have been inoculated against Covid-19, and the government says this needs to reach 40 million for population immunity.
But, a recent study by Ask Afrika found that only 62% of people were willing to take the jab — lower than the government target.
Lack of trust and fear about side-effects were cited as the main reasons.
After a slow start to its vaccine roll-out, South Africa does now have enough doses for any adult who wants a jab. — BBC Sport/Sports Reporter.
Online Reporter