The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League have joined Zifa in pledging to abide by the conditions set by the Government for the phased return of football after more than a year of a Covid-19 induced hiatus.
Government, through the Sport and Recreation Commission, announced on Monday a lift on the suspension of football and other disciplines such as rugby which had been classified as medium to high-risk sport.
Youth, Sport Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, then further clarified the matter Wednesday insisting the national associations needed to abide by the standard operating procedures that had been set by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with World Health Organisation guidelines.
PSL communications and media liaison officer, Kudzai Bare, said the top-light had acknowledged and accepted the conditions that have been set for the domestic game’s resumption.
“The Premier Soccer League accepts the conditions and operating procedures set by the Sport and Recreation Commission in light of the return of football.
“The league is currently in the process of engaging key stakeholders to discuss steps to be taken to meet the set conditions for the safe and appropriate return of football.
“The process will involve Covid-19 testing, pre-season training, registration of players and inspection and sanitisation of stadia before the commencement of competitions. The league’s priority is the health and safety of the nation including players, coaches, club staff and supporters and will ensure that all the necessary safety precautions are taken,’’ Bare said.
Her statement followed a similar stance taken by Zifa.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association has preliminarily accepted terms tabled by the regulator, (that is the) Sport and Recreation Commission on March 15 2021 as a pre-condition for the resumption of football.
“The decision has been transmitted to the Sports and Recreation Commission and most importantly to all our affiliates who have been eagerly waiting for the return of the beautiful game.
“Zifa is grateful to Government for providing the platform for a safe and sustainable return of football. We are confident that the proposed standard operating procedures will result in low-risk of infection as well as manageable costs for all stakeholders.
“Zifa will keep its obligation to foot referees’ fees for all leagues as well as footing some costs for Covid-19 testing. The association has further engaged all affiliates for further input to ensure that the eventual standard operating procedures we shall use are relevant to local football realities,’’ said Zifa communications and competitions manager, Xolisani Gwesela.
