Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League in the Context of COVID 19

Abstract

Abstract The paper examines the emerging impact of COVID-19 on soccer in Zimbabwe. It focuses on the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (ZPSL) to highlight how football leagues with historical challenges of funding and a lack of disaster preparedness have been impacted by the pandemic. We utilize a desk research approach to understand how football authorities, clubs, administrators, and players have been impacted by the failure of the league to start due to COVID 19-induced lockdowns. The paper also explores the various efforts put in place to ensure football starts again in the country and the impact of these measures. COVID-19 has entrenched and worsened the already existent economic and political challenges facing football in Zimbabwe, which include lack of financial sustainability of clubs, poor administration, corruption, lack of sponsorship, and a general malaise of the sport in the country.