Varsity Cup open Soccer City doors to public
However, they will only make a call at a later stage if the same will apply to other venues.
The Board of the Varsity Cup announced on Friday that matches will resume on Monday, March 14.
This followed after two rounds of the competition were postponed in the wake of violent protests at universities around the country and clashes between protesters and student in Bloemfontein – after the field was invaded during a match between Shimlas and NMMU.
Earlier this week the organisers decided that games will be played at some of the country's most iconic stadiums – including Soccer City in Soweto, Ellis Park and the Cape Town stadium.
The tournament was then put on hold due to several violent student protests at other institutions, as organisers feared the politically motivated riots would spill over into other rugby venues.
Initially they said that no spectators will be allowed in, as organisers try to avoid the chaos that erupted at Shimla Park in Bloemfontein two weeks ago – when protesters and angry students engaged in violent clashes after a game was disrupted.
In a subsequent change of heart they decided that this coming Monday's matches in Soweto will be open to the public.
A call about public access to other matches and venues will only be taken after the Soccer City event – which they hope will be completed without any disruptions.
"A decision was taken to continue with this year's tournament by allowing all Varsity Cup matches – including Varsity Shield, Koshuis Rugby and Young Guns – to recommence," Duitser Bosman, Varsity Cup CEO, said in a statement.
The first Varsity Cup matches of the catch-up rounds will take place at Soccer City in Soweto on March 14 and will be open to the public.
Venues for matches scheduled for March 21, 24 and 28 March are still to be determined.
Tickets to the matches at Soccer City will be available at the gates at R20 a ticket.
"The support of the universities and fans over the past few weeks has been tremendous and is greatly appreciated," Bosman said.
The Varsity Cup fixtures have been adjusted to include four more rounds of action, before the semifinals and finals in April.
Fixtures for Monday, March 14:
13.00 – Shimlas vs CUT
15.00 – NWU vs Madibaz
17.00 – UJ vs UP-Tuks
19.00 – Maties vs UCT
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