Frustration is taking a toll on some Malawian footballers based in South Africa with no hint on when the game will resume in that country following a ban on contact sport due to precautionary measure to coronavirus.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has seven Malawian players namely Limbikani Mzava (Highlands Park), Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango (Orlando Pirates), Robert Ng’ambi (Black Leopards), Gerald Phiri Jnr and Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Khuda Muyaba and Dennis Chembezi (Polokwane City).
The second-tier GladAfrica Championship League has one Malawian Chawanangwa Kawonga who turns out for TS Sporting.
Mzava, Phiri and Mhango yesterday said it is becoming increasingly frustrating with the continued suspension.
Said Mzava: “There was hope when it was announced a few weeks ago after government gazetted the guidelines for football resumption under the national lockdown, but since then there has been nothing concrete.
“So, it is frustrating but perhaps we also have to bear in mind our safety as players and those involved in the game.”
On his part, Phiri said: “There is no hint on when football will resume and it is really frustrating, but then under the circumstances, there is nothing we can do other than wait.”
Mhango said: “We had all the hope when it was announced that football could return soon, but a couple of weeks down the line, there is nothing tangible.
“Nevertheless, we understand the seriousness of this pandemic and I am sure the authorities have good reasons doe the delay.”
Meanwhile, supersport.com yesterday reported that some Premier Soccer League clubs have been left frustrated by what is perceived to be the slow pace of action by South Africa Football Association (Safa) in preparing for a return to play, with many leagues in other countries now up and running for some weeks with tried and tested protocols.
Safa say they are continuing to work with the National Soccer League (NSL) on return to play protocols for professional domestic football, and suggested further submissions to government were necessary.
The Safa national executive committee met at the weekend to discuss a range of issues, which included a briefing by Safa medical officer Thulani Ngwenya on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the local game.
His presentation included both professional and amateur football, but according to supersport.com, Safa are keeping their cards close to their chest with a single mention of a return to play in a lengthy statement on the outcomes of the meeting.
“Safa will continue to work with the NSL to develop further proposals for submission to the government on the way forward,” was all it said, without providing further detail.
