The Sunday News
Mandla Ncube, Sports Reporter
TWO of Bulawayo’s popular social soccer leagues have deferred their fixtures until further notice in compliance with the declaration made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa relating to curbing the spread of the coronavirus.
The President declared the coronavirus (Covid-19) as a national disaster thereby prohibiting gatherings and sporting events until the situation is managed.
With people starved of sporting action, many were hoping to find solace in the city’s social soccer leagues, however, that dream has been dealt a blow as the Bulawayo Social Soccer League (BSSL) and Golden Oldies Social League (GOSL) issued directives to their respective leagues postponing fixtures.
“In light of recent developments regarding the ruling by the Government of Zimbabwe that gatherings of 50 or more people have been banned and together with all sporting events. We regret to inform you that all scheduled BSSL matches will have to be postponed,” read a letter addressed to BSSL teams.
GOSL secretary general Edgar Dube said the league’s executive, after consultations with various medical experts took it upon themselves to put safety first and not be found wanting and hope that the suspension of the games can somewhat send a message to those who are still not exercising health caution.
“As you know all the football fraternity is doing that, why should we be the only exception, for now other things come secondary and with this decision we also hope to educate other people who are still in denial of how serious this Covid-19 virus is, it will also help, it is also a message to other affiliates,” Dube said.
