Locally -based football players who had regrouped for the Chan tournament final phase preparations received a setback after 9 players tested positive to Covid-19 in adherence to the Covid-19 medical protocols thus prompting the football mother body to suspend training sessions.
According to a Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) media release, 9 players tested positive upon their return from the festive break.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to inform the football
fraternity and the nation at large that nine (9) players who are part of the
African Nations Championship (CHAN) provisional squad have tested positive
to covid-19″.
“In adherence to our Covid-19 medical protocols, all players and members of the
technical team were tested on Monday (28 December 2020) upon their return
from festive break and the nine were ruled to have tested positive”.
“All the affected players have been notified and quarantined in line with World
Health organisation (WHO) dictates. The players have also been advised to
inform their families and contacts.
The Zimbabwe Football Association has also informed the Confederation of
African Football (CAF), Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) and the City
Health Department for further guidance”.
“Meanwhile, ZIFA has temporarily suspended all training sessions for the
CHAN team pending consultation with other stakeholders, but the team remains
in camp until further notice”, reads the media release by ZIFA’s Communications and Competitions Manager Xolisani Gwesela.
Zimbabwe are in Group A alongside hosts Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali in the group stage of the competition, which is meant for players playing in their domestic leagues.
The Warriors will square off against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in the opening match on January 16.
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