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Covid-19: Soccer tourneys becoming hotspots

While grassroots soccer tournament organisers are being accused by the health authorities of not doing much to ensure that Covid-19 regulations are adhered to, organisers said the lack of funds and the public's hunger for football make it difficult to comply with the protocols.
Herma Prinsloo
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK



Popular township soccer tournaments played across the country - which in most cases attract larger crowds than the country's elite football leagues - are giving the health authorities sleepless nights.

Always packed to the rafters with hundreds of supporters coming together to support their teams, the health ministry is worried that organisers of these tournaments are doing little to ensure that regulations such as wearing masks, sanitising and social distancing are adhered to.

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula yesterday warned organisers that these events have the potential to become superspreaders of Covid-19.

“It is a dangerous situation and one can just warn those attending matches to make sure that they follow the protocols.

“What is even more concerning at the moment is the fact that people have almost forgotten that the virus is in our midst.

“This is why we have to make sure that these grassroots tournaments are well supervised and authorities monitor the situation closely,” Shangula said.

The minister fears that tournaments around the country could spike the number of coronavirus cases in days to come if immediate action is not taken. This is after it was observed that many of these players do not stay in isolation and no tests are done before matches. At these tournaments spectators are also seen moving around without masks and no sanitising facilities are put in place.



Tournaments galore

Last weekend Swakopmund residents thronged the Mondesa Sports Stadium to witness the Independence Club Top 20 tournament, which saw 20 teams locking horns.

Meanwhile in Windhoek, the Katutura Sports Union (Kasu) hosted a tournament that attracted a number of teams.

The Augustineum Secondary School sports field played host to the Aminuis Football Tournament that attracted hundreds of supporters.

At Groot Aub, residents spent their Independence weekend watching teams battling it out to be crowned champions of the popular Groot Aub Independence Tournament.

/Kasu/ chairperson Kuveri Tjonga acknowledged the concern and vowed to improve the situation.

“Yes, we will not hide behind the fact that people are really hard to control at times and we will do our best to make sure that they are masked up and sanitised.

“The fact that there is no active football in this country means that fans and players are hungry for the games and, therefore, we have no option but to host these competitions under strict measures,” he said.

He said organisers do not have the financial muscle to ensure that all players are tested or isolated before matches. Another tournament organiser, Coleca Hange, said organisers are trying their best to ensure adherence to the protocols but a lack of money is a stumbling block.

“This is a hungry football nation and we do try our best to keep things going at all costs,” Hange said.



Unapproved events

It is also alleged that some of these tournaments are being held without the approval of the Namibia Sports Commission (NSC).

“To be honest, if you look at the Sport Act, the sport commission is responsible for regulating any sport activity, even if it is not affiliated to us.

“It is very concerning that these tournaments are taking place and some are even taking place without our approval,” NSC chief administrator Freddy Mwiya said.

Mwiya said the lack of manpower is hindering the commission from ensuring that Covid-19 protocols are being followed and he called on the police to monitor the tournaments closely and ascertain whether the events are sanctioned by the commission.

He insisted that some of these tournaments are being held illegally without the approval of the commission.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-23

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