The Orlando Pirates Gauteng Provincial Supporters structure have revealed why they are rallying behind the EFF to picket to the Department of Sports,
The Orlando Pirates Gauteng Provincial Supporters structure have revealed why they are rallying behind the EFF to picket to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture this week.
On 20 January, the Pirates GPSS plan to join the EFF in marching to the DSAC offices in Tshwane, where they will demand that supporters be granted access to stadiums.
According to GPSS Public Relations Officer Mpho Leeu, supporters have been left frustrated as their two-year absence from attending stadiums continues with no visible end in sight.
“First of all, the supporters are frustrated, and we were already in talks even before EFF initiated this, so the supporters want to know what is happening,” Leeu informed the Siya crew.
“We understand [the dangers] of COVID-19, make no mistake, we know the risks and we understand that Government are trying to save livelihoods, but what we are frustrated by is why is that we are receiving discriminatory treatment compared to other Citizens? It’s only sports supporters that cannot go to stadiums, political parties have rallies, and you look at the stadiums, it is fully packed. Even churches have been opened. We feel like we are being discriminated against.
“Also, if government are citing livelihoods, what about the livelihoods of people who depend on games being played at the stadiums? There are people who sell food and stuff in the stadiums, there are taxis who rely on transporting people to and from the stadiums, what is the government saying about that?” she said.
Last week, government issued out a statement, in which they defended the DSAC, revealing that supporters have been granted permission to attend football matches since last year, provided they are vaccinated, and it was up to the different sporting authorities to roll out a plan that would see sports supporters finally return to stadiums.
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