Pretoria - Fans and supporters were excited to get back into the stadiums over the weekend and support their favourite soccer teams after two years of being locked out.
And taking advantage was the provincial Health Department, which set up a pop-up vaccination centre at Loftus Versfeld Stadium where fans came in their numbers to watch the match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Summerfield Dynamos for the Nedbank Cup.
Despite the rain, fans and supporters, together with the community, braved the rainy weather to get vaccinated.
Andries Mpotsane got his booster shot at the site, and said he was excited about going to support his team. He could not wait to get inside to show them his support.
“It has been a long time not being in the stadiums, I work and stay around this stadium and I always come to see games. I am really excited.”
Ralph Khoza, who also got his booster shot, said if being able to get inside the stadiums meant following the right procedures he would do so.
“I came to get my jab because I want to support my team, I do not have a problem with getting vaccinated to enter the stadiums. As long as it is safe for us and the right procedures are followed.”
Chauke said getting vaccinated was his choice as it was for their safety and others.
Not all fans were thrilled to have to get the jabs, but they acknowledged that they had no choice.
Some were at first reluctant, but with convincing from others they rolled their sleeves up and gave in.
Dr Mpho Moshime Shabangu was the site’s vaccine co-ordinator, and he said the pop-up site was meant to bring vaccination closer to the people so that those who had not vaccinated at all could vaccinate, as well as those due for their booster shots.
“We are not only urging the fans and supporters to come and vaccinate, but the community at large.
“It is something that we have started as the Department of Health, the Premier Soccer League, and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, so that every big match or any other soccer match they can call us to do a pop-up vaccination centre."
She said they not only work with the soccer league but also the National First Division.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said fans would be allowed into stadiums at a maximum of 50% stadium capacity, on condition that a fully vaccinated certificate or a negative Covid-19 test not older than 72 hours was provided.
Pretoria News