Football Legends Speak On PSL Calendar

Two football legends, Ephraim Chawanda and Nelson Bandura have waded into the debate on whether to permanently shift Zimbabwe’s football calendar so that it aligns with those of other countries.

Chawanda, the defensive stalwart who was popularly referred to as “The Rock of Gibraltar” during his heydays, believes that it would be premature to change the calendar due to the uncertainties caused by the novel coronavirus. He said:

I think we should wait, otherwise, we will oppose the rest of the pack as they are also struggling to maintain that calendar. There is a possibility that other leagues might shift to playing the February to November season.

However, I think we are now forced to consider the European calendar given that there is an [indefinite] lockdown. There are variables which have to be considered, as the Qatar World Cup.

Meanwhile, Former Tanganda FC and Warriors shot-stopper, Nelson Bandura said the COVID-19 pandemic has given Zimbabwe’s football authorities an opportunity to change the football calendar for good. Said Bandura:

This is an opportune time to adjust the calendar, thanks to this unfortunate pandemic. We just hope our football leaders are up to the task.

It makes sense, our players playing overseas will become more accessible. They will be available for national team duty during the international break. There won’t be any hassles for them to come.

Previously, their teams overseas were unwilling to release them. It was unfair for some overseas players to be called upon to play a national team match while they are on their off-season break.

The domestic football calendar runs from March to November while European and other African leagues run from August to June.

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