Lungu Signals Return of Football League

Football activities are expected to resume in July, so long as they are run in adherence to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health. Initially games will resume behind closed doors as long as conditions prescribed by the health authorities are met.

According to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), President Edgar Lungu has set the tone for the possible re-opening of the Zambian league.

“President Lungu who is also patron of the Football Association of Zambia said the onus now was on the ministries of health, sports and local government to see off the implementation.” FAZ writes.

In determining the Government's response sports disciplines were segmented into categories according to the level of risk they pose.

“Guidelines for all sports disciplines to follow as they consider resuming sports activities have been developed. They include the following, but not limited to guiding principles stipulated by the statutory instruments 21 and 22 of 2020, guidelines for various sports disciplines which have been categorized as non-contact, semi- contact and full contact sport. Safeguards as outlined in the health guidelines for football at Premier and National Division One Leagues,” President Lungu is quoted by FAZ as stating

President Lungu has stressed that compliance is essential adherence in ensuring that the league resumes. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development and the Ministry of Local Government is expected to inspect sports arenas to ensure they are ready for action.

Earlier this month football returned to a number of countries, including Tanzania where the country’s Premier League resumed after a three-month pause as a result of Covid-19. In order to protect players and fans a number of restrictions were introduced. Fans had to sit at least one meter apart, with temperatures monitored as people entered the stadium. Sanitizers and running water was also made available.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) took the decision to end the current season as a result of the pandemic, with Jwaneng Galazy FC declared champions.