Delayed resumption of lower leagues

THE much- anticipated resumption of lower league football hangs in the balance after ZIFA informed them they need to follow the protocols.

The association have only authorised the resumption of the Premier Soccer League, which will start with the Chibuku Super Cup second round fixtures, today and tomorrow. In a statement ZIFA said all the lower leagues have not yet been given the greenlight to resume their activities.

“ZIFA would like to inform all lower leagues that resumption of football competitions has not been authorised.

“Only Premier Soccer League competitions have been authorised so far.

“We remind lower leagues to provide detailed written submissions, regarding their preparedness and plans thereof, to guarantee and allow for safe resumption of football. “Your submissions should include list of teams, vaccinated players and officials and proposed venues to be used.

“On our part, the ZIFA Board had a fruitful meeting with the Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry, regarding resumption of football, for lower leagues. “We have requested that government approves resumption on the condition that clubs in lower leagues vaccinate their players, and officials, before being allowed to resume,” ZIFA stated.

Most Division One leagues had targeted to resume on October 27, with the Northern Region expected to hold their annual meeting, this weekend.

The affected regions and leagues are the ZIFA Central Region, ZIFA Eastern Region, ZIFA Northern Region, ZIFA Southern Region, ZIFA Bulawayo Province, ZIFA Harare Province, ZIFA Manicaland Province, ZIFA Mashonaland Central Province, ZIFA Mashonaland East Province, ZIFA Mashonaland West Province, ZIFA Masvingo Province, ZIFA Matabeleland North Province, ZIFA Matabeleland South Province, ZIFA Midlands Province, ZIFA Women Soccer League, ZIFA Futsal, ZIFA Beach Soccer, ZIFA Area Zones – Central, ZIFA Area Zones- Eastern, ZIFA Area ZonesNorthern, ZIFA Area Zones- Southern, NAPH, NASH and Tertiary.