PSL matches to go ahead in Pretoria despite the violence

The violent protests unleashed across Tshwane will not stop the relegation/promotion playoff soccer match between University of Pretoria and Highlands Park from going ahead as planned at Tuks Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) safety and security head‚ Philip Masimong‚ told Tiso Blackstar Digital on Wednesday that after he consulted with the South African Police Services‚ the club and the city‚ a decision was taken to allow the game to go ahead.

‘‘As you know the violence is outside of the university campus while the game will played be inside‚” Masimong said.

‘‘So we then decided that no‚ no‚ we are not going to postpone the game because there is no direct link with the campus. So the game continues as scheduled. If there are any problems‚ there will be blockades preventing anyone from entering the campus itself (without authorisation).”

Masimong said they do not plan to take extra security measures outside of the university and it will be business as usual on Wednesday.

Violent protests have gripped Mabopane‚ Mamelodi‚ Hammanskraal‚ Atteridgeville and Soshanguve since Thoko Didiza was confirmed as the ANC’s mayoral candidate of the nation’s capital.

Police have had their hands full after several shops were looted and busses set alight during the unrest.

But AmaTuks football manager Kenneth Neluvhalani said they were satisfied with the arrangements and there is nothing to suggest that the game should not go ahead.

‘‘We had a couple of meetings on Wednesday about this and the decision remains the same — the game will go ahead‚” he said.