Football in Tanzania set to resume with limited fans

The Tanzanian Premier League (TPL) will become the second league in Africa after Burundi to resume on Saturday, following the disruption caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The government in the East African nation on June 1 announced sporting activities would be able to resume. The Tanzanian Football Federation (TFF) subsequently drafted fixtures for the remaining 10 rounds in the TPL.

The league will start on Saturday with Young Africans playing away to Mwadui, Coastal Union facing Namungo at home in Tanga, Azam facing Mbao at home while leaders Simba SC will welcome Ruvu Shooting at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

The TFF has now moved to issue guidelines to fans and players ahead of the re-start to prevent a possible spike of infections in the country.

According to the TFF, there will be a limited number of fans at each venue and they will be required to wear masks at all time, and observe the one-metre physical distance while entering and seating inside the stadium.

At the same time, the fans will be required to either sanitise or wash their hands with running water and soap while their temperature will be taken before they enter the premises of the stadium. The TFF has also announced that old fans and children will not be allowed into the stadium.

Players where possible will also be subjected to physical distancing protocols and temperature checks when entering the stadium.

Teams are also advised to arrive at the stadium minutes apart to ensure there is limited interaction. On the bench, players are required to keep the physical distance and keep their masks on at all times.

Medical personnel in the stadium will also need to wear masks and gloves at all times.

For the media, there will be a limited number of photographers pitch-side while no interviews will be allowed within the playing area.

Dressing rooms for both players and match officials are also required to be equipped with soap and running water and fumigated before and after matches.

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo