PSL to adopt zero tolerance policy

Wednesday evening's Ajax Cape Town versus Jomo Cosmos clash at the Athlone Stadium heralds the start of a Premier Soccer League (PSL) season in which PSL CEO Trevor Phillips says “zero tolerance” will apply in terms of the clubs not honouring their fixtures.

With the African Cup of Nations in Egypt and the World Cup in Germany taking place next year, all professional soccer leagues around the world must complete their domestic schedules by May 7 as per Fifa regulations and this is a tight deadline that the PSL must meet.

Phillips said that all the clubs had been made aware of the challenges that lay ahead and that he hoped they were prepared for the expected marathon battle.

“Though the season is going to be demanding for the players, the public are still entitled to a quality product that will make them fill the stadiums every week,” he said.

Phillips added that they were going pay attention to coaches who had developed a tendency of verbally attacking referees and their assistants from the touchline.

On Wednesday evening, Ajax enjoy a slight fitness advantage over Cosmos as they have been active during the off-season in taking part in the ninth MTN Caf Champions League. Ajax are on course for a semi-final place in the lucrative continental competition.

This week's fixtures

Wednesday: Ajax vs Cosmos (Athlone Stadium, 7.30pm)

Saturday: Swallows vs Santos (Germiston Stadium), Pirates vs Leopards (Ellis Park Stadium, 6pm), Bush Bucks vs Chiefs (Absa Stadium, East London 8.15pm), SuperSport vs Dynamos (Super Stadium, Atteridgeville)

Sunday: Classic vs Celtic (Mehlareng Stadium), Silver Stars vs Sundowns (Peter Mokaba Stadium), Free State Stars vs Arrows (Charles Mopeli Stadium)

All games start at 3.15pm unless otherwise stated.