Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says that the reason Bafana Bafana are playing at empty stadiums is because of the opposition they have to play against.
Bafana played two matches at Orlando Stadium against Namibia on Saturday and DR Congo on Tuesday.
The attendance left much to be desired. Against Congo, South African fans were outnumbered by those of the visiting team, rather embarrassing in sporting circles.
Lesufi was defending the notion that Gauteng people are not attending Bafana games and that those matches should be hosted by other cities with the potential to fill the stadiums.
“We played against Morocco at the FNB Stadium and it was full,” Lesufi opened up to Sunday World.
“If Bafana were playing against England or against Brazil, do you think FNB Stadium would be empty?
“The questions should be directed at the people that are identifying and choosing friendly games for Bafana. I think that they are rushing, and they do not make sure that they are providing proper competition for Bafana.
“It is not about supporters staying away from the game. We need to urge Safa to ensure that they pick quality and competitive opponents and South Africans will attend those matches. The people of Gauteng have demonstrated their loyalty, look at the Mamelodi Sundowns versus Kaizer Chiefs match, it was packed, and it was played in Gauteng – the people who attended are from Gauteng. It is the opponents that we choose. Do we expect South Africans just to go and watch any other team?
“I will not block other provinces if they are keen. For the MTN8 finals, we (Gauteng) are competing against Western Cape and Eastern Cape. The two provinces want that game as well, and Kwa-Zulu Natal as well they want it too. We also want it and we are prepared to host it, but if someone has a better offer and a better spectacle, why should we be forceful that it must come to Gauteng. The price must be to entertain South Africa and to create an economy out of this,” he added.
“But I can ensure you that it is not going to be easy to take these things away from us. We really believe that Gauteng has the appetite for these events. We have Delicious Festival coming to our province and Burna Boy, it is just about marketing and making sure that events do not clash,” he said.
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