The Premier Soccer League (PSL) says it has recorded a Covid-19 case among players, a development which is likely to disrupt the ongoing Chibuku Super Cup tournament as well as the resumption of topflight football next month.
In a statement yesterday, the PSL said that as a result of Covid-19 tests that they did on match day two there is one player who tested positive for Covid-19 adding that the player was going to self isolate for stipulated days in accordance to World Health Organization (WHO) regulations however they emphasized that there was need for premier soccer league teams to continue upholding full Covid-19 protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Following the latest round of COVID-19 testing for match day two conducted, one player tested positive for COVID-19. The player was not part of match day activities. The player will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with the PSL, ZIFA, SRC, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and WHO guidelines and protocols.
“The PSL remains in contact with the relevant health authorities in implementation of the COVID-19 protocols to enable our fixtures to be played as scheduled. We urge the clubs and all our stakeholders to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. The league will not be specific details on the club or individual. We wish the player speedy recovery.” said PSL.
Meanwhile the case is the first positive case that has been reported since the start of the tournament, which is being used as a test case for the anticipated PSL 2021 kick-off scheduled for the first weekend of July.
PSL kept the name of the player and of the club under wraps.
The player will self-isolate for a period of 10 days as per WHO regulations.
The league is hopeful that the recorded positive case will not disrupt the midweek and weekend Chibuku Super Cup matches that will be held across the country.
The Chibuku Super Cup games are taking place across four venues around the country in Harare, Bulawayo, Zvishavane and Mutare.
Players are coming from their homes after clubs said they could afford the costs associated with a secure bio-bubble.
Government earlier this year allowed PSL football to return under strict observance of COVID-19 protocols. Local football was put on ice in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but it has since been allowed to return this year in a phased format starting with the top flight league.
