Sulom against handshakes
Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has asked stakeholders ito avoid handshakes at football matches ahead of the new season’s kick off on Saturday.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Sulom President, Tiya Somba Banda, said observation of all precautionary measures is the only way Malawi’s soccer fraternity will be safe from contracting coronavirus.
“We are calling on football players, team officials and supporters not to shake hands before, during and after matches. This is one way of preventing the spread of coronavirus. Washing hands before and after football games is also another way of staying safe from the virus,” Banda said.
He also called on the soccer fraternity to observe all other precautionary measures being advised by Ministry of Health officials as the elite league kicks off this weekend.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Joshua Malango, said they were taking all precautionary measures to ensure that all Malawians were safe.
“We are not taking chances. We have put in place measures aimed at keeping every Malawian safe. We are working with all sectors to keep the country free from the virus,” Malango said.
The virus has led to the suspension of action in major league across the world.
Closer home, South Africa Premier Soccer League action has also been suspended.
The league has several Malawian players such as Limbikani Mzava, Gabadinho Mhango, Gerald Phiri Jr, Richard Mbulu, Denis Chembezi and Khuda Muyaba.
Other African countries such as Egypt, Algeria and Morocco have also put their league action on hold.
The suspension has also affected Malawian internationals like Moldova-based Fransisco Madinga who plays for Dila Gori and Charles Petro of Sherrif FC in Georgia.
Petro said he was saddened by the pandemic.
“We have been told not to go for training. We do not even know when we shall resume training. League action has been suspended here. We should have started our league this week but we are only waiting to be told what next,” Petro said.
Over 90,000 people across the world have tested positive to the virus with about 6,000 losing their lives.
Peter Fote is a Sports Journalist with huge experience in radio and Television reporting, production and presentation. He once worked with Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and is currently working for Times Media Group.
