Story by Mthokozisi Dube
Premier soccer league coaches have expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the return of the domestic league after it was pre-maturely suspended on the 7th of this month due to a stadium crisis.
As the clock ticks towards the proposed 1 July resumption of the domestic league, local premier league coaches say the break will disturb the rhythm of their teams.
This comes after PSL chairperson Farai Jere poured cold water on the possible resumption of the PSL on the 1st of July after he indicated that they might not be ready then.
The development has not gone down well with the Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association.
Zimbabwe Soccer Coaches Association chairperson, Bhekimpilo Nyoni told the ZBC News, “It is a very difficult situation for coaches, the greater part of their job is to plan and when they plan, the execution is disturbed by the league authorities and some of their teams were reaching peak periods and when they eventually resume, things could change and they are the ones who suffer as they will be fired and to make it worse, we done even know when the league will resume so how do coaches plan?”
Local coaches echoed the same sentiments saying the long break will affect momentum.
“The break caught us unaware so it’s difficult to come up with preparation plans. As it is, we are not so sure if the league will resume as said because of the shortage in facilities. What we have done is that we gave our player work plans but we are now back to training this week,” noted Chicken Inn head coach, Prince Matore.
Bulawayo Chiefs head coach Lizwe Sweswe said, “This break has advantages and disadvantages. For my team, we were on form, but I don’t think we will maintain that form. But for the struggling teams, it will give them ample time to rectify their mistakes and bounce back stronger.”
Manica Diamonds head coach Jairos Tapera noted, “It is very difficult especially for planning. I don’t know how these decisions are arrived at without consulting key stakeholders. At the moment, we are planning based on the first of July which might even be extended. I don’t know if in their minds its crosses that they have to make a decision that best suit all stakeholders.”
The stadium crisis in Harare saw the PSL impose a blanket ban on matches, raising questions as to whose interest the league authorities are serving when other teams with stadium crises were forced to travel for their home matches.
