Mbabane: Following the announcement of opening football in Eswatini by the acting Prime Minister, Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku, the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) has also declared that Premier League games are resuming on April 2, 2021 which is next week Friday.
This was announced by PLE’s Chief Operations Officer (COO) Pat Vilakati who represented Chairman Mark Carmichael, at a press briefing held at Sigwaca House, Mbabane on Thursday.
Vilakati further announced that to catch up, games would be played even during the week. “Clubs will scheduled to play at least three games in every seven days,” Vilakati said, adding that the National First Division games will also follow the same procedure.
Vilakati went on to say the PLE is negotiating with Eswatini Football Association (EFA) to at least allow them o fixture games even during the FIFA weeks. “This will help us a lot to cover on lost time. Only teams with three or more players selected for national team duties may not be fixture during that period as per the rules and regulations of the game,” he said.
The COO also urged clubs to utilize the about to be opened window period starting on April 1 to April 24 for the registration of new players to beef up their squads.
Speaking about safety precautions to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, Vilakati requested teams to continue with preparations safely, by following government, EFA, CAF and FIFA Covid-19 safety protocols and guidelines. He highlighted that teams have appointed compliance officers to supervise the compliance to the Covid-19 protocols. He said the PLE has appointed the PLE Covid-19 Committee which shall be monitoring and supervising the Covid protocols compliance.
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