Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Premier Soccer League has said the issue of a shift in the country’s football calendar is premature as that discussion can only come after the sport has been given the green light to resume.
With the season, which was meant to start in March still yet to kick off, there have been calls for the season to be changed. Indications are that football will only be given the go ahead around August or September, with many believing it is a perfect opportunity for Zimbabwe to bring into line their football calendar with that of the rest of the world.
PSL media liaison officer, Kudzai Bare indicated that they have tasked their sports medicine committee to look at procedures to be followed once the game is given the green light to resume.
“We have tasked our sports medicine committee to work around medical protocols that will be followed by clubs once football resumes. We will resume PSL matches when it is safe to do so, we will be monitoring the situation prevailing as well as guidance from the government and health authorities,’’ said Bare.
Many are wondering what will happen when football gets the green light, whether the PSL will go for a shortened season or the 2020 fixtures get to spill into 2021. Bare said all dialogue on such matters will take place when it is suitable to do so with the relevant concerned parties involved.
“In terms of alignment of the season, its length and issues of promotion and relegation — discussions around these will be held when it is appropriate with consultation with key stakeholders.”
However, aligning the Zimbabwe’s football season brings about its own challenges, with most of the facilities in the country have poor drainage systems which make it impossible to play matches during the rainy season.