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The highly-anticipated match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Spanish champions Barcelona will be safe for everyone, Sports and Recreation Minister Tokozile Xasa has assured the footballing fraternity. Xasa said the government and the police will work with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Sundowns in ensuring that the game against Barcelona will be a violence-free encounter.
Xasa was speaking at a media briefing held by Masandawana in Sandton on Thursday where the club confirmed they will be taking on the La Liga champions at the FNB Stadium on May 16 as part of the Nelson Mandela centenary celebrations.
“Government together with the SAPS will be ensuring the safety of fans and I urge those that will be attending to create a safe atmosphere for everyone,” said Xasa, who tried to be reassuring after the recent spike in crowd violence in stadiums.
Sundowns’ billionaire owner, Patrice Motsepe, also assured fans that security measures had been beefed up for the ostentatious encounter between the two clubs.
Motsepe warned fans that tickets were selling at a staggering rate and if they intended to witness the match they should purchase them as soon as possible.
Antonio Barrads, the director of La Liga in Africa, also confirmed that Barcelona will be bringing a full-strength squad, even mentioning Lionel Messi by name.
Motsepe explained that Sundowns had experienced difficulties bringing the former European champions to South Africa.
With the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia taking place in less than a month, Motsepe explained that negotiations to bring the Spanish team to the country were hampered by some national teams’ concerns over their players partaking in this game as there was a possibility of them sustaining injuries.
Motsepe said “the intention was to play two games against Barcelona, the first featuring a full-strength Sundowns team taking on the La Liga champions, followed by a second match comprising of a team featuring a combination of players from Sundowns and other South African teams playing against Barcelona.”
“As a foundation and the Motsepe family, we are honoured to inspire young South Africans through football. Bringing the best talent in the world to South Africa will inspire the youth and show them that anything is possible,” Motsepe said.
Since the match would be played under the banner of the Nelson Mandela centenary celebrations, various government representatives such as ANC elections chair Fikile Mbalula, Nelson Mandela foundation representative Tokyo Sewale, Energy Minister Jeff Radebe were in attendance.
Sexwale gave the Motsepe family a ball signed by Brazilian World Cup winner Pele, saying this was his contribution to the family for the incredible work they have done and continue to do for South African football.
Xasa added that the match would be a great way of uniting South Africans through sport.
