Despite the 2020/2021 DStv Premiership being over two months in, match officials are yet to be tested for the deadly COVID-19 virus that is sweeping across the country.
The PSL were given permission to begin the new season under strict protocols following last season’s bio-bubble however it has since emerged that the last time referees were tested for COVID-19 was at the beginning of the bio-bubble in August 2020.
PSL referees haven’t been tested for COVID-19
Safa Head of Referees Abdul Ebrahim confirmed that Premier Soccer League referees were not tested for the coronavirus despite the league already passing the first quarter mark.
“It is true that the referees haven’t been testing for COVID-19, the last time they tested was during the bio-bubble,” Ebrahim said as quoted by Phakaaathi.
“There’s always going to be a risk involved if the sport needs to continue then that’s something that needs to be looked at. It is a huge concern, we take our lead from our medical department regarding COVID-19. We should be talking all the time with the medical department. If I were to give my personal opinion, I would advise everyone to lock themselves up at home.
“This will be a collective discussion and decision for a way forward. I am sure there is an ongoing discussion between Safa and the PSL in this regard. I don’t think there’s an incident where our referees have tested positive for COVID-19. It is important that everybody involved gets tested for COVID-19. It’s concerning and alarming and I am sure we will hear from the joint-liaison team on a way forward.”
There has been little to no reported COVID-19 cases by clubs or the PSL since the 2020/2021 campaign began. AmaZulu’s Siphiwe Tshabalala is the only recently confirmed case with many clubs remaining hush over missing players.
The league is already 10 games in while the first cup (MTN8) of the season has also been played out in full.
