8 May 2018
By Mahlatse Mphahlele, TimesLive
Sports Minister Tokozile Xasa has warned the organisers of the high-profile international club friendly between Mamelodi Sundowns and Spanish powerhouses FC Bracelona at FNB Stadium next week not to cut corners when planning and implementing the security plan for the event.
The hugely anticipated clash between the recently crowned South African and Spanish champions is part of the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations and Xasa said safety protocols should be followed to the book as a full house is expected.
“We cannot take any risks because this is a big occasion for the country‚” she said.
“We have to make every effort to ensure that safety of the people who will be attending the match is guaranteed.”
The match takes place a few weeks after Kaizer Chiefs hooligans damaged television equipment‚ burned stadium chairs and left several security officials injured after they lost 2-0 to Free State Stars in a Nedbank Cup semifinal match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.