Of Banned Stadia, A Run Away Virus And Passion

CAF did not reverse their ban of Zimbabwean stadia for holding matches after the recent inspections led by former South African national team player Mark Fish. Fish however noted that the response by the authorities in trying to upgrade stadia like the BF in Bulawayo was commendable. It seems like it took a CAF ban for whoever is responsible to see the importance of having stadia that meet certain standards. However, people who are passionate about football do not need the threat of a ban to upgrade own stadium. All the world class stadia you name them Old Trafford, Santiago Bernabue etc they were never upgraded after a ban but because passionate people were in charge facility renovations where done as part of set plans. Events in the football industry shows clearly that people who are primarily driven by other motives that are not passion are in charge here.

As authorities race against time in renovating local stadia so that they are allowed by CAF to hold matches locally the postponement of the matches between Zimbabwe and Algeria in light of the coronavirus epidemic comes as a possible opportunity for redemption .  Being that as it may corona is no redemption because global governments are struggling to contain the run away virus. Nearby, South Africa is reported to have closed its boarders save for Beit Bridge its key portal to the rest of Africa. Rwanda is said to have set up public hand washing points. Beyond Africa in Europe, Asia and the USA sweeping travelling bans are the major thing most governments are also doing as part of measures to contain the pandemic.

According to WHO coronavirus belong to a large family of viruses that causes common cold to more severe diseases. " They are also zoonotic meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing." World Health Organization