Newly appointed PSL general manager, Andile ‘Ace’ Ncobo, was delighted with the crowd turn out in the Nedbank Cup match between Marumo Gallants and Mamelodi Sundowns in Bloemfontein.
The city of Bloemfontein has not had a team in the DStv Premiership since Bloemfontein Celtic was sold, relocated to KZN and renamed Royal AM in July 2021.
But that did not stop more than 16 thousand fans from turning for the Nedbank Cup match between Gallants and Sundowns at the Toyota Free State Stadium.
“On behalf of the Premier Soccer League, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Mangaung and the Free State province as a whole for coming out in large numbers at the Toyota Free State Stadium,” said Ncobo.
“There were over 16 thousand people at the stadium and the atmosphere was amazing. We don’t usually have matches on a Thursday night, especially kicking off at 18h00 but people came out and it was an electrifying atmosphere.
“They love football, it’s a special place for the PSL. We are very happy to have football back in the Free State province and the city of Bloemfontein in particular, a place that holds a special place in the hearts and minds of South African football heritage. The people of Free State are indeed special, we love them so much and they are very important to the brand PSL.”
On Sunday, 5 March Gallants will host TS Galaxy at the Toyota Free State Stadium and Ncobo has urged fans to come out in number.
“We have two PSL matches in Bloemfontein this coming week, one in the Motsepe Championship and another in the DStv Premiership between TS Galaxy and Marumo Gallants at Toyota Free State Stadium.
“Fans will come out in numbers once again at both these venues. Football fans are our primary clients and we urge them to purchase their tickets on time and to support their clubs.”
We also have an exciting line-up of fixtures this weekend across the country in the DStv Premiership, DStv Diski Challenge and the Motsepe Championship.
By Zola Doda