The Premier Soccer League have announced a new partnership with the South African Police Service (Saps).

PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza confirmed that the league will work alongside Saps to try and eradicate violence and vandalism at stadiums around South Africa.

READ: I want to play for Bafana – Fileccia

The partnership is set to increase the presence of police officials at Absa Premiership and MultiChoice Diski Challenge games.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Khoza said football has a vital role to play in assisting the Saps to address some of the challenges.

‘As football, we cannot fold our arms and say the challenges our country face in relation to crime is not our problem. Instead of the blame-game and finger pointing, we had to ask ourselves “what can we do to make a difference”.

‘Prevention is better than cure. With this initiative, we seek – through action, not just words – to play a meaningful role in the revival of the value system more especially among the youth.

‘It is this value system that will moderate social cohesion. We would like to thank MultiChoice for being a good corporate citizen.’

The PSL chairman thanked the minister of police for his pro-active approach in combating crime.

‘As a nation, we cannot ask for a better minister of police. Given our challenges, it is important that we have a responsive person like minister [Bheki] Cele ably assisted by national police commissioner General Khehla Sitole.’

Dr Khoza also thanked the KwaZulu Natal government.

The PSL and Saps have also announced that a joint task team has been established between the two organisations to look at a number of operational matters relating to football matches.

Police commissioner, General Sitole said: ‘Between us and the football community, we are now guided by the same vision. We want to see safe and secure events. The task team between us will work towards creating a smooth working relationship between us.’

ALSO READ: Billiat’s agent denies bad attitude rumours

Minister of police, Cele said: ‘Policing is about partnerships with the communities and that is why we are excited about this partnership with the PSL.

‘I believe we are at the right door because football is the biggest sport in this country. We thank the PSL for giving us this opportunity to get closer to the youth.

‘As police, we have many challenges – our correctional services [prisons] are overcrowded and we have a lot of young people there. We hope this will help reduce crime amongst the youth.’

During this weekend’s MultiChoice Diski Challenge, 150 kids from different schools and 120 players participating in the Diski Challenge will take part in the initial roll-out of the campaign.

ALSO READ: Motaung offers clarity on Dax situation

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES:

– To raise awareness on crime prevention among the youth.

– Reduce youth involvement in crime – as either perpetrators and/or as victims

– Integrate youth structures in the fight against crime.

– Address youth development – and challenges around that.

– Address crimes against children and women through the six pillar approach of the Saps.

– To develop young people into productive crime prevention catalyst.

– To produce good young role models who will reflect a good positive image as South African citizens.