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Raymond Jaravaza
Experience is the best teacher and Hardlife Zvirekwi knows all about going through a harrowing injury without a comprehensive financial plan.
From spending in excess of $5 000 after his life changing accident, Zvirekwi never wishes to see his colleagues — or even his worst enemy — live through another day without healthcare cover.
Healthcare cover for football players provides benefits in the event of injuries on the field of play such as breaking a leg, serious head injuries and dislocations. Players are also covered when involved in accidents off the field.
Zvirekwi made the call at the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ) general assembly recently in Harare.
In a follow-up interview with B-Metro Sport, Zvirekwi said healthcare cover for footballers must be treated in the same vein as funeral cover, which most Zimbabwean adults place at the top of their priorities.
“Dealing with the trauma of losing part of my left hand is one of the most difficult things I have had to go through in my life and adding the financial burden made it even more unbearable.
“I spent well over $5 000 during that time (after the accident and recovery period) and did not have healthcare cover, which meant I had to rely on the support of my family and friends. It’s important for clubs to provide healthcare cover for their players, what happened to me can happen to somebody else,” said Zvirekwi.
The Caps United defender was involved in a horrific accident, which crushed his arm leading to the amputation of his hand, on 22 March this year.
Four months later he made a sensational return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) action capturing the heart of millions of people across the world.
“As players we should also take it upon ourselves to take up individual healthcare cover because at the end of the day injuries or accidents take a toll on our lives as well as our families,” he said.
FUZ president Desmond Maringwa said his organisation was lobbying clubs from lower leagues up to the PSL to consider medical insurance for their players.
Online Reporter