'I would hate to play behind closed doors', says Pirates legend

Orlando Pirates great Gavin Lane has cautioned against Premier Soccer League (PSL) matches being played behind closed doors, saying it is a "nightmare" from a player's perspective.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Nathi Mthethwa said on Tuesday that domestic football would resume next week with matches to be played behind closed doors and with stringent health and safety measures to be put in place.

But Lane, who was nicknamed 'Stability Unit' in his playing days for his robust and uncompromising approach to the dark arts of defence, believes that proceedings should rather be halted than matches having to be played behind closed doors.

"Obviously I mean playing behind closed doors is a nightmare for any player," Lane told FarPost.

"Because you know if you play and you got your fans on your side... as a player I would hate to play behind closed doors because you know it motivates you if you got spectators.

"I would rather say let's get everything under control until we know everyone's safety is all good. Don't play any matches, especially behind closed doors, I mean it's a nightmare for any player man.

"Obviously for us sportsmen, it’s bad because there’s nothing to watch on TV anymore, even to go to games nothing you know what I mean.

"But yes, I think for precautionary measures and for everyone’s health and safety. We just have to go with the rules of everyone what they say, hopefully, they find a cure or some kind of a tablet or whatever."

- TEAMtalk media