Committee warns of risks in lower leagues
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) medical committee says the regional COVID-19 compliance training has proceeded well, as lower structures prepare for the return of football.
The medical committee chairperson, Dr Lone Bogwasi said they had covered most parts of the country.
Bogwasi said it is critical to control the spread of the virus particularly in the less resourced lower structures.
“Regional football falls in the auspices of amateur football and they aren’t so well resourced. The main thing is to equip them with the knowhow of infection control in efforts to curb spreading the virus,” he said.
He added they have identified COVID-19 related complications such as the infection of the heart, and as a result, the committee has been encouraging clubs to do Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA), in order to avoid emergencies such as sudden cardiac arrest.
“The event is a rare occurrence but drastic when it happens. The assessment must be repeated after contracting the virus in its moderate to the severe form. Responding to these emergencies in the lower leagues remains a challenge due to lack of resources or manpower hence prevention remains key both through infection control/complying to set measures and PCMA,” he said.
“We have emphasised that they develop a relationship with local health authorities for assistance as government remains a key stakeholder in sports in general for medical services. This will help them amongst their communities to build a lasting relationship with the various stakeholders in their respective regions not only in the COVID-19 era,” he said. Bogwasi said the initial focus will be on the top leagues before a gradual return to action for the lower tiers.
“A phased manner agreed upon by BFA and BNSC stipulates that we gauge the level of compliance in the top tier and amend any loopholes before bringing in the other structures. So the initial phase is strictly for the top tier and upon evaluation at least two weeks after they resume training that’s when we can have something that satisfies us of their compliance.”
He said teams had shown the zeal to get back but the medical committee has emphasised the need to carry out the most important tool of educating their players, technical staff and club members on compliance. Continuous education within the team at least twice weekly has been emphasised to enable the clubs to fully grasp the concept of infection control.
There are fears of rising cases due to a third wave that could delay action. However, Bogwasi said infection control remains the key tool. “It is in our honour as the BFA to help the government in curbing the spread of the virus hence why we assumed the phased manner of resumption of activity.
Our testing surveillance tool developed will be shared by teams at the start and every fortnight. That will give us an idea of the burden of the virus amongst our structures. We hope that although cases are going up we can at the least keep the top tier active to catch up on the lost time they had out of activity,” he said.
He added that they find solace in that a recent study conducted in the UK by Jones et al, has shown that in-match COVID-19 transmission is low despite proximity involvement of players.
The number of persons allowed at the stadium would be 100, which includes both teams, match officials and support staff.
“So that’s what is stressed in all regions. The responsibility lies upon each and every sports member to ensure compliance is maintained at all times. If one fails, the whole of sports fails and we know the implications,” Bogwasi said.
Local football was suspended last year March due to COVID-19 and is expected to return next month.