FORMER Bafana Bafana defender Mark Fish used this week's Barclays Premier League trophy tour to advocate for local football clubs to use stadiums closer to their fan base.
He said the hype around this weekend's live matches, to be shown on a massive screen at Zoo Lake Sports Club will prove that the saga of poor crowds at domestic matches can be resolved if approached correctly.
"If you look at how the Barclays Premier League is marketed and the fact that when I played for [England's] Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers we played our games in the Charlton and Bolton area, there are lots of ways to remedy the situation.
"I still believe that Mamelodi Sundowns should play in Mamelodi and it's good that Pirates play in Orlando . take football to the people," said Fish yesterday. "When people have to [travel to] get to the football matches, having to catch two different taxis to get to the stadium, and also have the choice to watch whatever game on TV, it is a problem. Maybe even the double-headers is another remedy. The quality of the football is also important."
About 12000 fans, on a first come, first served basis each day, will watch the English Premier League title and relegation dogfight unfold at Zoo Lake on Saturday and Sunday with five live matches to be screened over the two days.
Fish also weighed in on the Absa Premiership's own title chase between log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.
"I think Chiefs are the favourites and they still have to play Sundowns, who need to keep winning to keep the pressure. It could go to the last day. Wits unfortunately look like they are out of it, but this is football and you just never know what could happen."
How to fill stadiums
FORMER Bafana Bafana defender Mark Fish used this week's Barclays Premier League trophy tour to advocate for local football clubs to use stadiums closer to their fan base.
He said the hype around this weekend's live matches, to be shown on a massive screen at Zoo Lake Sports Club will prove that the saga of poor crowds at domestic matches can be resolved if approached correctly.
"If you look at how the Barclays Premier League is marketed and the fact that when I played for [England's] Charlton Athletic and Bolton Wanderers we played our games in the Charlton and Bolton area, there are lots of ways to remedy the situation.
"I still believe that Mamelodi Sundowns should play in Mamelodi and it's good that Pirates play in Orlando . take football to the people," said Fish yesterday. "When people have to [travel to] get to the football matches, having to catch two different taxis to get to the stadium, and also have the choice to watch whatever game on TV, it is a problem. Maybe even the double-headers is another remedy. The quality of the football is also important."
About 12000 fans, on a first come, first served basis each day, will watch the English Premier League title and relegation dogfight unfold at Zoo Lake on Saturday and Sunday with five live matches to be screened over the two days.
Fish also weighed in on the Absa Premiership's own title chase between log leaders Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits.
"I think Chiefs are the favourites and they still have to play Sundowns, who need to keep winning to keep the pressure. It could go to the last day. Wits unfortunately look like they are out of it, but this is football and you just never know what could happen."
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