By Trevor Makonyonga
The Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (ZPSL) has once again been postponed putting administration under scrutiny as anomalies regarding sponsorship deals have been cited as reason for the further delay.
In a statement, PSL said that negotiations are still ongoing and soccer matches will only resume on the 22nd of May.
Initially the dates had been slated for the 15th of May.
“The Premier Soccer League would like to advise all stakeholders that the start of PSL competitions has been moved to 22 May 2021. This has been necessitated by the need to conclude negotiations with our commercial partners and other key stakeholders.
“The PSL is pleased with the interest and positive responses we are receiving from stakeholders and as such we are working to bring the best football experience for the 2021 season. We endeavour to conclude broadcasting agreements (both radio and television) as soon as possible to ensure that our matches reach all football fans across the country. It is important to ensure as many people as possible can watch the matches at home,” reads the statement.
PSL is yet to inspect or engage with owners of the stadia earmarked to host this year’s league.
“We are in talks with stadium owners so that the stadia are ready and meet the minimum requirements before the start of the competitions. Our cup tournament will be played at Mandava, Barbourfields, Sakubva and National Sports Stadium. Our main priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, officials and fans and we will work to ensure that everyone involved in our football adheres to the covid-19 health protocols. We are working with our clubs to ensure risks are assessed and minimised and all clubs are compliant with the health protocols.”
Soccer was one of the sport codes given a greenlight to resume by the sport regulatory authority, SRC.
Despite the approval granted to all major sports, only cricket has managed to resume.
