Joy as football returns

THE domestic football community is celebrating after Government yesterday approved the resumption of the national game with immediate effect.

The Sports and Recreation Commission yesterday wrote to ZIFA, informing them that football, which had been banned since March this year, has been allowed to resume in a phased approach.

The authorities, however, noted that approval, at this initial stage, has only been granted to the Premier Soccer League, the Women Soccer League and the national teams.

All the other football leagues, from Division One to Four, and social matches, remain banned.
“The Sports and Recreation Commission, hereby, gives you notice, following your application, that the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation approved the gradual and phased resumption of football activities effective 16th October 2020 in line with the provisions of the Statutory Instrument 200 of 2020,” wrote Mupazviriho.

“Please note that the approval, at this initial stage, is for the following:

Premier Soccer League Teams

Women Soccer League Teams

National Soccer Teams

“The resumption of football activities shall take the format of the mini-league, using the bubble concept, adopted by yourselves.

“The football activities shall, in addition to the requirements specified by the World Health Organisation for safe resumption of sport, Statutory Instrument 200 of 2020, your submitted protocols, other legislation and policy directives relating to the prevention and containment of Covid-19, be subject to the following conditions:

Strict adherence to the bubble concept

Implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

ZIFA and its affiliates to provide resources and finances to undertake these activities.

“We reiterate that this is a phased approach to resumption of football activities in the country.

“Assessments will be done during this initial stage on whether or not all provisions are in place and adherence to set protocols in order to inform the complete resumption of all football activities.

“Please note that all the protocols for the prevention and containment of Covid-19 must be observed at all times and SRC expect strict and full compliance by all your members.’’

Football had failed to get underway this year because of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.