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Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
WITH the Chibuku Super Cup finally resuming this afternoon, albeit without spectators, Highlanders and FC Platinum supporters have called on the Government to allow vaccinated fans into stadia.

The supporters believe this move also dovetails well with the Government’s push towards achieving herd immunity.
They argue that if churches are allowed to have vaccinated congregates, football, as the country’s most followed sport, can be a great vehicle for pushing people to get vaccinated.

The fans are adamant that the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has a weak case in its continued position to bar fans from football matches, arguing that the return of supporters could be in monitored phases, starting with 50 percent of a stadium’s carrying capacity.

“People should be allowed to watch their football teams. As a way of preventing the further spread of Covid-19, only vaccinated fans should be allowed and all other protocols followed. That way our teams will play well in front of their die-hard supporters. The fact that they have put vaccination in church as a condition, it should be the same for our sport that needs us as fans.

“What is football without fans? This is why we have seen teams being punished by playing in an empty stadium. It shows how important fans are. Our teams committed no crime and certainly we the fans didn’t commit any crime, why should we be punished,” said Greater Bulawayo Highlanders’ Supporters chairman Themba Mhlophe.

FC Platinum Supporters chairman Kudakwashe Gumbo echoed the same sentiments, saying football presented a perfect platform for the country to achieve herd immunity.

“We are 110 percent with that school of thought. With the way people love football, allowing vaccinated fans access to matches will surely help the Government in pushing towards herd immunity. Actually, a number of fans have already made that decision to get vaccinated in anticipation that they will be allowed to watch football. And a lot more are on standby waiting for that to be made official then they will flock to get their jab.

I wish the responsible authorities can look closely into that, or even the Premier Soccer League can use that argument to persuade the Government. As FC Platinum Supporters, we are ready to mobilise our people to get the jab,” said Gumbo.

In his condolence message to the Shaya family following the death of the legendary George Shaya last month, President Mnangagwa said the increase in vaccine uptake would see the country’s sporting activities returning to their normal schedules soon.