South Africa's soccer authorities announced on Tuesday that more spectators will start being allowed back into venues gradually, starting with the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals on the 8 and 9 April.

The announcement comes a week after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that sports stadiums can begin admitting up to 50 percent of their capacity.

Until now, attendances have been limited to only 2,000 fully vaccinated fans.

In a media briefing held in Johannesburg, Premier Soccer League (PSL) chairperson Irvin Khoza explained that logistical challenges meant the presidential directive could not be put into action immediately.

"It will be difficult for us to start this weekend," said Khoza. "Most of those matches already have been categorized and approved. Next week also, the matches were categorized. We are asking that they be re-categorized to make sure that they are compliant in terms of the requirements."

The PSL chief pointed out that fans who will want to attend the games will have to adhere to the guidelines set by the government, including showing proof of vaccination.

"Upon purchasing your ticket, you will be required to show your ID and your vaccination card," said Khoza.

"It is very important that we encourage our supporters to vaccinate when they want to come to matches, because we are focusing to have 100 percent retain of spectators through all out matches."

The latest move to allow more fans back into stadiums comes following pressure from coaches and other stakeholders, who argued that it was the right time to make the call.

Last week, AmaZulu head coach Benni McCarthy pointed out that football was back to normal in other countries, and as such, South Africa too ought to ease the restrictions.

"The rest of the world had been in full swing for one year. We party, we go out, clubbing. People are smoking…but there are still no fans in the stadium," bemoaned McCarthy.

Like many countries in Africa, South Africa has seen a decline in new infections over the last two month, raising hope that the fight against COVID-19 was paying off.

In total, the country has recorded 3,713,833 infections with 99,970 fatalities.

Some 33,485,691 doses of vaccine have been administered across the country.