adminLangton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
THE much-touted return of football under a bio-bubble concept had a false start last week, with no Covid-19 tests conducted on the Premiership players as promised by the game’s authorities.
Government has given the green light for the PSL to return, on condition that all Covid-19 protocols and guidelines which include testing and isolation of players and technical staff are followed before training can resume.
ZIFA have committed to funding the testing of players and indicated in a statement midweek they were hoping clubs would start training tomorrow.
However, the tests are still to be conducted and training cannot start tomorrow if this key procedure has not been followed. Since players will need at least six weeks of pre-season to regain match fitness ahead of the proposed mini-league set for December, it is another week lost for the bio-bubble, which has so far generated mixed feelings within the local football fraternity.
ZIFA communications and competitions manager Xolisani Gwesela said yesterday his association is still consulting on the “testing logistics”.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association, together with the Sports Medicine Committees of both the PSL and ZIFA and the Premier Soccer League, are consulting each other about testing logistics.
“After that has been concluded we are then going to advise you on when training will start, but the first port of call is testing,” Gwesela said.
ZIFA have already funded the testing of the Mighty Warriors players who are set to go into camp ahead of their travel to South Africa for the COSAFA Championships next week.
Despite Government having indicated that ZIFA must use resources from the FIFA and CAF Covid-19 relief funds, the association is still engaging Government on how other critical cost centres like accommodation, can be funded.
However, all now point to a delay in the teams’ return to training with some sources claiming that the testing exercise could now be undertaken this week and end next Wednesday.
PSL coaches, most of whom had already drafted their training programmes, are waiting anxiously while players are eager to return to the pitch.
“Our players have been informed about the proposed start of training, they have been eagerly waiting for this day because it has been a long time without playing,” said Herentals coach Kumbirai Mutiwekuziva.
“We were targeting to start training on Monday (tomorrow), but we are still waiting for the tests to be conducted.
“Obviously, we would have wanted part of October for our pre-season so that we have the full six weeks of pre-season before the tournament in December,” added Mutiwekuziva.
While a bio-bubble concept would suit a club like Yadah Stars, whose owner Walter Magaya already has a multi-functional sports complex with a hotel, club coach Genesis Mangombe is concerned about the players’ mental fitness.
“We have a very big challenge in trying to work with the players’ mental fitness. Remember most of them had almost forgotten about football while others had ventured into some other ventures at places like Ximex Mall in town to sustain themselves.
“So, the most difficult part could be on how to deal with the players’ minds.
“We will need a proper offseason programme of at least six weeks so that we get the players back to full fitness.
“We have some players with injuries sustained in money games and the challenge is that some will try to hide those injuries.
“A lot will be done between now and December when the tournament is expected to begin,” said Mangombe.
Manica Diamonds coach Johannes Nhumwa is still in the dark.
“I am not aware, I don’t know when training will start. Maybe you have to get in touch with my executive,” said Nhumwa.
Champions FC Platinum, who are back in action next month when the 2020-2021 CAF Champions League kicks off, have been conducting tests fortnightly.
“Every fortnight we conduct tests,” said Chido Chizondo, FC Platinum spokesperson.
Newly-promoted Bulawayo City conducted their own tests early last week, with two players testing positive for Covid-19.
Online Reporter