Chronicle Editor
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) has reportedly taken an unprecedented move by refusing to resume activities under new Covid-19 protocols prescribed by the Sports and Recreation Commission.
Golf was one of the few sporting disciplines that had been greenlighted to resume activities.
ZGA president Mufaro Chivonivoni could neither deny nor confirm the association’s stance, but confirmed that they were engaging the supreme sports body following the latest approval of golfing activities.
Impeccable sources told Chronicle Sport that golfers felt the new protocols were almost impossible to comply with.
“There is a standoff as we speak but the ZGA executive seems confident that the SRC will listen to their request for a review of conditions. While golf is a none contact sport, banning of caddies, for example, comes with enormous responsibilities for a golfer except maybe if you have a cart,” said a source privy to the developments.
According to an SRC letter to the ZGA written last week, approval for resumption was on condition of full compliance with the Government’s and Association’s SRC approved Covid-19 protocol which include mandatory PCR testing of all athletes and officials as well as submission of copies of COVID-19 Certificates to the SRC.
“The athletes and officials will be subjected to weekly PCR tests, preferably 48 hours before each round of golf. Covid-19 compliance team must maintain special COVID-19 registers to be completed on a daily basis (when golfers and officials visit the club) and capturing results for, blood pressure levels, blood sugar levels and COVID-19 related symptoms such as running nose, temperature etc,” reads part of the SRC penned by acting director general Sebastian Garikai.
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