Covid-19 derails PSL coaches

Don Makanyanga
Sports Reporter

JUST when everything seemed to be going according to script in local football, with players gradually regaining their form and some exciting Chibuku Super Cup matches being witnessed, Covid-19 struck again.

The local game was bracing for a second half of the tournament’s group stage when action was stopped.

Having forced football into inactivity for more than a year, the pandemic has threatened to wreak havoc again, prompting the Government to take precautionary measures that include suspending games.

All hope is, however, not lost as the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) yesterday gave the biggest hint that the Chibuku Super Cup could resume soon.

“SRC is in liaison with ZIFA in view of its critical domestic and international commitments.

“Their case is under active consideration. As SRC, we are, therefore, working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable solution is reached with regard to football. The public will be advised in due course,” said acting SRC director-general Sebastian Garikai.

Despite the PSL and the Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) being some of the most compliant in terms of adherence to the strict Covid-19 safety protocols, football and rugby were deemed high-risk sports whose resumption had to be closely studied before a greenlight is granted.

Although the suspension of the Chibuku Super Cup derailed their plans, the elite league’s coaches backed the authorities’ decision, insisting they agreed with the health-and-life-first mantra.

Highlanders coach Mandla Mpofu, whose side are the tournament’s defending champions, said he welcomed the decision to put the competition on hold.

“Inasmuch as it is disappointing to have the games suspended in terms of monitoring the progress of players coming from a long lay-off, there is nothing we can do about nature.

“What we are facing is a matter of life and death and there is nothing that can be done other than suspending the games until the proper time for resumption.

“It is unfortunate but we pray that the suspension won’t be for long,” he said.

Premiership champions FC Platinum’s coach Norman Mapeza echoed the same sentiments.

“We are not the only club that has been affected. We have to follow what the Government has said. Lives are more precious than anything else.

“But, we hope the game returns soon.”

While acknowledging that the break was unfortunate, Triangle gaffer Taurai Mangwiro believes the suspension of sporting activities was for a noble cause.

“It’s unfortunate that the Chibuku Super Cup together with other sporting activities had to be put on hold, with a few disciplines being allowed to resume.

“But the way I want to look at it is that the safety and health of the citizens is of paramount importance.

“I would want to believe that the decision by the authorities is in the best interests of the country,” he said.

Despite seeing his charges slowly getting back into rhythm, Harare City coach Lloyd Chitembwe also backed the decision to have the tournament suspended in light of the rise in Covid-19 cases.

“There is nothing more important than the health of the nation; you can play football when people are healthy.

“From performance right up to the atmosphere is affected by the health status of all, hence an environment that encompasses all these aspects is what makes football exciting.

“All clubs will be affected by the suspension but at the end of the day we have to look at the bigger picture… We all start on the same level when the environment is safe to do so. What we pray for is to have that safe environment soon,” said Chitembwe.

Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya has appealed to Government to allow the return of football under strict conditions.

“We are all encouraged to support Government efforts in terms of curbing the spread of this pandemic. Clubs have played their part in the fight against the pandemic; in particular, at Dynamos everyone was vaccinated.

“We are hoping and appealing to the Government to allow us to resume under strict conditions so that we protect the football industry players who have been lying idle for quite some time now.

“It is our appeal that livelihoods will be affected.”