Smack in the middle of these abnormal times. Weekdays are abnormal, I can't cope with them. Too structured, have to wake up @ 6, leave the house @ 7, be stuck in traffic for 30 min, 8 you must be at work. Then only leave work at 5, thats after lunch at precisely 12.
This is abnormal, added to that there's no football this midweek, local football anyway. Those of you who follow the European leagues would still have some football dosage of some sort yesterday and today.
I do wonder why the PSL didn't structure any games this week. Were they aware of the European Champions league, therefore the rather avoid having to compete with them for viewer-ship. Broadcast issues, such as dates and games that will be broadcast, are obviously dictated by Supersport, they would have had a big say in this.
Anyway, my biggest gripe today is about attendances, specifically at football matches. I'd really like to say this is a football problem only, it is not. Those of you fortunate to have DSTV, and watch some rugby games, even if its just highlights, would have noticed that stadiums are not full at these games either.
So to me this seems to be a very broad problem for sport in this country. I don't follow domestic cricket much to make a statement but wouldn't be surprised if the same pattern exists there.
With regards to football, I did mention in my very first blog that our football is up there with the rest. Not yet at the level of some of the top European teams, but our teams can hold their own against some of the lower teams from these leagues. What I was disappointed about was the crowds. People don't attend games and I think the PSL with all of its member teams needs to up their game with this regard. The biggest difference between our game and that of our European counterparts is the atmosphere that is created by crowds. Fuller stadium creates a better atmosphere and improve the television product, it adds tremendously to the vibe in the stadium.
There was some research done in Europe and they found Germany to be leading with crowd attendances (I am lazy to try and find the link, but you can just Google it).
What exactly is stopping people from attending games here in South Africa? I don't know, just a well as you don't but would like to hear you opinion.
But I tend to think that the PSL don't yet know how to package their "Football Product". I call it Football Product, because it is no longer just about the football on display for ninety minutes. In my own terms, added to the football itself, I would include:
- Safety in and around the stadiums. The PSL or host teams wants crowds, so make them feels safe when the come to watch football.
- Clean the seats and seating area. I know that these stadiums don't belong the local teams as in the some of European leagues. But teams and the PSL needs to work with the municipality to make sure this is done. I attend games so I know.
- The journey to and from the stadium. Same as above, the PSL or host teams needs to work with the local municipality and traffic officials to organise transportation and make sure it runs smoothly. Talk to taxi (mini-bus) associations. Am not a big fan of the way taxi operate in SA, but we pretty much can't do with out them at this stage.
- Match-day programs. This will mostly be dependent on each individual team. But would have to do with what happens once people arrive at the stadium, during halftime breaks and afterwards.
This does not have to be expensive solutions at all, if it becomes expensive, someone who's been paid to think is not doing that. Critically, I think the PSL with its broadcaster are doing a lot of marketing, but it seems to me to be way of the mark.
Firstly, does the PSL know its own market? Does the PSL know who its competing with for bums on seats? People have a lot of options for entertainment these days. We can't just throw ninety minutes of football at them and hope the'll come to the stadium week in and week out, it's not happening now.... Why would the leave the comfort of their home to come and sit next guys smoking in the stadium. Why would the leave going to the malls with their buddies for a movie? Unfortunately I don't have the answers, but fortunately for me I am not paid to have those answers.
The market is there, people want to come to games. The just needs to be encouraged and enticed by better packaged products. Go out there guys make it their lifestyle to come to games. Going to the stadium should not be something to think about, it should come naturally for fans on weekends.
I am a Swallows man and they seem to be doing a host of things write now....really wonderful things. I'll tell you tomorrow...right now, have to go and pay the bills. i.e, get back to work.
Cheers and see you soon
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