Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Dr Irvin Khoza has announced the postponement of the upcoming fixtures in response to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of emergency on Sunday after the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country reached 61.

PSL fixtures suspended for the week

Two big midweek PSL fixtures were scheduled, with Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night, before Kaizer Chiefs would play Bidvest Wits the following day.

However, these two clashes, which were likely to draw decent crowds will not carry on as planned — along with the ones scheduled for the coming weekend.

Khoza said the League would consult stakeholders to discuss the way forward.

This is after Ramaphosa announced that the government had instituted a ban on public gatherings with 100 people and above in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.

Shortly after the announcement, the PSL revealed that it would hold an urgent executive committee meeting

“One person is all it takes for 100s of people to get infected.” Dr Irvin Khoza

Ticket-refund information and other updates will be issued after further consultation, Khoza revealed.

” We have called for a meeting of the PSL board of governors on Thursday that will deliberate on this. It’s important that we take a decision that is in the best interest of football and the nation.” Dr Irvin Khoza

The changes also affect fixtures in the GladAfrica Championship scheduled for the current week.

Postponed Premiership fixtures

Tuesday 17 March

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld

Wednesday 18 March

Kaizer Chiefs vs Bidvest Wits at FNB Stadium

Friday 20 March

Chippa United vs Cape Town City at Sisa Dukashe Stadium

Saturday 21 March

Highlands Park vs Mamelodi Sundowns at Makhulong Stadium

Black Leopards vs Maritzburg United at Thohoyandou Stadium

Orlando Pirates vs Bidvest Wits at Orlando Stadium

AmaZulu vs Baroka at King Zwelithini Stadium

Supersport United vs Bloemfontein Celtic at Lucas Moripe Stadium

Sunday 22 March

Stellenbosch vs Golden Arrows at Cape Town Stadium

Polokwane City vs Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium