5 January 2021 – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been informed by CAF that GD Sagrada Esperanca of Angola have withdrawn from their Confederations Cup second leg match against Orlando Pirates which was scheduled for Wednesday, 6 January 2021 at Orlando Stadium.
It is unfortunate that the opponents have cited concerns with COVID-19 infections in South Africa without seeking advice from SAFA or the South African government.
It is common cause that SAFA, in collaboration with its special member, the NSL and the government safety and security cluster has overseen the implementation of highly successful COVID-19 mitigation measures since the resumption of professional football in August 2020.
The same measures were implemented at the four Bafana Bafana matches in October and November as well as at the CAF home Interclub matches that took place in December 2020.
We would like to assure any club or national team that will be visiting South Africa for matches during the lockdown, that our systems are safe, advanced and well tested.
For further information please contact
SAFA: Head of Communications
Dominic Chimhavi
Email: dominic.chimhavi@safa.net
Mobile: +27 71 332 9886