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Ricky Zililo, Senior Sports Reporter
EXPERIENCED Zimbabwe Olympic Committee medical commissioner Nicholas Munyonga and Zifa head of medical committee Edward Chagonda lead a team of doctors assigned to draw protocols and procedures to be followed by clubs for the safe return of football activity after the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Premier Soccer League said following the disruption of football activities as a result of the outbreak of the pandemic, they are working on plans to ensure a safe environment when the Government lifts the ban on sporting activities.

Sporting activities have been banned since the end of March when the national lockdown came into effect as part of measures to contain spread of Covid-19.

A fortnight ago, the Government allowed non- contact sports in which physical distancing is possible to resume on condition that they adhered to strict safety rules.

Sports allowed to resume include archery, pool, swimming, athletics, rowing, equestrian, fencing, golf, polo, motorsport/BMX, shooting, tennis, chess, darts, drafts, goal ball (visually impaired), cricket and table tennis.

Football was classified as high risk.

The PSL wants to come up with guidelines almost similar to what has led European leagues to resume their programmes.

“The PSL Sports Medicine Committee has been tasked to come up with protocols and procedures to be followed by all PSL clubs during football competitions in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The protocols will provide guidelines that will assist clubs with training and matchday procedures upon the resumption of football competitions.

“The PSL Sports Medicine Committee will work in liaison with club medical doctors. The draft procedures will be shared with the Sports and Recreation Commission, Zifa and other relevant stakeholders.

“These procedures will be continuously reviewed and updated in accordance with the general health situation in the country and recommendations from the health authorities,” said PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare.

Top European leagues have resumed under strict health guidelines to ensure safety of players and officials.

Germany’s Bundasliga is playing it’s remaining matches behind closed doors and this is the route that the English Premiership is likely to follow.

The top leagues resolved to return to action in order to reduce losses they would have incurred had their programmes ended abruptly.

The top leagues signed broadcasting deals that are a major source of revenue for clubs.

Last week, EPL clubs unanimously voted to return to training. The first stage of the strict protocols of ‘project restart’ permits clubs to resume fitness programmes in small groups.

Clubs were reminded that they must adhere to strict rules during the coronavirus pandemic, including maintaining social distancing and no contact between players.

They agreed that “full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed”.

Protocols sent to clubs last week stated that all playing surfaces and equipment should be disinfected before and after each training session.

Players must also undergo Covid-19 testing twice a week and daily temperature checks.

In Zimbabwe, Covid-19 tests are not covered by medical aid, with cost ranging between US$20 and US$30 per person. This means each club should budget about US$2 400 to have their players and technical teams tested every week.

Local clubs are already limping financially and if they are to train for a month and conduct two tests a week, it means each team will need about US$9 600. This amount is enough to cover at least two months salaries for financially stricken local clubs.

The EPL also said in the first phase, players will train in groups of five on one pitch and at any given time they will have 10 players on two pitches.

Already, local clubs are struggling for facilities and it will be a mammoth task for them to have five players at a go. — @ZililoR