Zimbabwe suspends all football and cricket in the country

Despite no reported cases of Covid-19 in the country yet, Zimbabwe has taken the decision to suspend all cricket and football in the nation.

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa)‚ the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have been in unison in suspending any competition in their respective codes.

The Zimbabwe Under-20 women’s team training camp in preparation for the African Nations Championship has also been cancelled.

“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday declared coronavirus (Covid-19) a national disaster and has outlined a number of measures to combat the scourge including temporary banning of gatherings exceeding 100 people,” Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said in a statement.

“ZIFA, as a law-abiding institution, will comply with the government’s directive.”

The PSL has also ceased competition, and said in a statement: “Following the National Address by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa issued on Tuesday 17 March 2020 the government has suspended all public events, gatherings and activities of more than 100 people for the next 60 days, the Premier Soccer League hereby announces the postponement of the start of 2020 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League until further notice.”

ZC followed suit, and said: “Following the measures announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the wake of the Covid-19 or coronavirus pandemic that has been declared a national disaster, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has with immediate effect suspended all forms of cricket in the country.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo