Super League of Malawi (Sulom) says it is impressed with football fans’ adherence to Covid-19 preventive measures during top-flight matches played over the weekend.
Sulom president Tiya Somba-Banda yesterday said for the first time, the majority of fans at the weekend matches wore masks and observed physical distancing.
The fans were allowed to the matches after some artists obtained an injunction at the High Court in Lilongwe on Thursday, restraining the Attorney General, Malawi Defence Force (MDF) and Malawi Police Service (MPS)from enforcing the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19’s measures, which include restriction of public gatherings to a maximum of 100 people for two weeks.
Unlike in previous fixtures, when football fans only observed the preventive measures when entering into the stadia but ignored the wearing of masks, the maintenance of one-metre distance and shaking hands once they got to the terraces, things were different over the weekend.
“This is very commendable and we encourage them to continue following the Covid-19 preventive measures both at the stadia and in their homes to curb the spread of the virus. We are really happy,” Somba-Banda said.
When defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets hosted and thrashed Moyale Barracks 5-1 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Saturday, fans were seen watching the action while wearing masks and respecting each other’s space.
Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said the development is a huge step in the right direction.
“People are beginning to realise the importance of safety in the wake of Covid-19. Football stakeholders must cooperate with government in the fight against the pandemic and see to it that nobody is relenting on the need to send the messages across,” he said.
