OPINION: Struggling for crowds, it’s now decision time for the Lions

What are the Lions going to do to get their followers again in the stands supporting them? Their residence floor Ellis Park is one among the main rugby stadiums in the world, and definitely one among the most interesting and most intimidating for visiting groups, nevertheless it means nothing when the Lions play in entrance of empty seats and a handful of supporters. It is nothing new; the Lions have struggled for years now to lure followers to Doornfontein to look at them in motion, nevertheless it appears issues are getting worse by the week, month and yr. Sharks recreation After a…

What are the Lions going to do to get their followers again in the stands supporting them?

Their residence floor Ellis Park is one among the main rugby stadiums in the world, and definitely one among the most interesting and most intimidating for visiting groups, nevertheless it means nothing when the Lions play in entrance of empty seats and a handful of supporters.

It is nothing new; the Lions have struggled for years now to lure followers to Doornfontein to look at them in motion, nevertheless it appears issues are getting worse by the week, month and yr.

Sharks recreation

After a month on the street, the Lions had been again at residence on Saturday, with a beneficial 3pm kick-off in opposition to the Sharks and but solely a handful of supporters turned as much as watch the recreation.

Getting the official attendance determine can be laborious as a result of there could be loads of embarrassment about it, however be that as it could, there can be loads of concern about how few followers are turning as much as watch a staff that can be struggling to make an impression in the URC.

Suggestions have been made earlier than and are doing the rounds once more now; the Lions should surrender Ellis Park and transfer elsewhere; they have to play their matches at smaller stadiums and in safer areas.

Will it occur? Unlikely.

More regarding maybe is the precise state of the staff, and probably a cause why so few are keen to pay to look at them. Losing 29-7 at residence in opposition to a depleted Sharks staff won’t sit nicely with followers.

41,000 followers at Loftus

Contrast all this to what occurred lower than 100km up the street at Loftus Versfeld two hours afterward Saturday, with a 5pm kick-off. More than 41,000 followers turned as much as watch the Bulls tackle the Stormers.

Yes, there was some rain round in Joburg on Saturday, however so, too, was it the case in Pretoria — and none of these followers’ spirits had been dampened.

There was an electrical environment at Loftus and all the pieces that’s good about South African home rugby was on show.

It was a match overestimated by the Bulls’ bosses for weeks earlier than the time, however what did the Lions do to hype up their followers and market the recreation?

The Lions have some pondering to do … and finest they do it rapidly.