Sharks boss Coetzee wants more fans at stadiums: It's been more than 700 days now

Sharks chief executive officer Eduard Coetzee took to Twitter to voice his frustrations with regards to the government opening up stadiums for more spectators.

The current regulations in the Disaster Management Act allow for only 2 000 fans in stadiums, a matter that has had sporting federations upset, especially with dropping Covid-19 infection rates.

Rugby, cricket and Mamelodi Sundowns this past weekend made the most of the 2 000-fan rule, with Sundowns' small contingent enjoying themselves thoroughly at the FNB Stadium as their side beat Al-Ahly 1-0 in their CAF Champions League Group A encounter on Saturday.

All four of SA's United Rugby Championship franchises won their home games this past weekend while the past weekend's 1-Day Cup games also had a smattering of fans.

Coetzee said on Twitter he couldn't understand why the regulations haven't yet been amended to allow for more fans in stadiums.

"Just asking for a friend…does anyone out there have any idea when we can have fans back to our stadium’s! We are now on more than 700 days under serious restrictions, and allowing 2000 fans in a 54 000 seater stadium doesn’t make it better. #openstadiums @SharksRugby," Coetzee tweeted.

Just asking for a friend…does anyone out there have any idea when we can have fans back to our stadium’s! We are now on more than 700 days under serious restrictions, and allowing 2000 fans in a 54 000 seater stadium doesn’t make it better. #openstadiums @SharksRugby ????????

Coetzee's not the only sporting accounting officer who's kicked up a stink with the silence from the authorities with regards to attendances.

Cricket South Africa, whose men's national team will be hosting Bangladesh in three ODIs and two Tests from Friday onwards, also pleaded