ANOTHER BAD YEAR LOOMS AS GOVERNMENT IMPOSES SECOND LOCK DOWN

Just as everyone was getting ready for the resumption of football in Zimbabwe, another hard lock down was imposed yesterday after the increase in number of COVID cases in the country.

Zimbabwe has recorded a total 14 084 cases and 369 deaths as from 1st January 2021 prompting the government to impose a second hard lock down in trying to curb the surge

After the announcement of new lock down measures by the vice president Constantino Chiwenga, the Minister of Sports, Kirsty Coventry immediately issued a statement on the suspension of all sporting activities.

No outdoor sport will be allowed under the new restrictions.

“Any exceptions will be dealt with on a case by case basis subject to the receipt of a new application from the sporting discipline concerned,” said Coventry

This has thrown doubt on the resumption of the domestic Premiership that had been scheduled for next month after completing a year of no football.

The PSL had hoped to get the 2021 season underway in February after following all the health and safety protocols for the safe return of football.

Most of the clubs that had already started pre-season training last year, had hoped to regroup this week to continue with their preparations after the Christmas break, but the PSL chairman Farai Jere said any further developments on the new lock down measures will be notified after a stakeholders meeting this week.

Meanwhile the Warrior’s CHAN preparations that had been dealt a big blow after 14 members tested positive for the virus including 9 players and the coach, remained on hold as ZIFA seek advice and guidelines from the continental mother body (CAF) for the way forward.