The ManicaPost
DOMESTIC Premiership players have admitted that they have lost hope of returning to the field of play anytime this year, while their online individual physical training sessions have greatly been affected by many factors.
Players from different top-flight league clubs have been conducting online individual physical training sessions from their homes, with coaches monitoring their progress through short video clips.
However, the lengthy Covid-19 lockdown has seen their eagerness being erode with each passing week.
The prohibitive costs of mobile data have also presented a challenge to players and coaches as most of them are unable to effectively communicate during the training sessions.
Premiership players interviewed by Post Sport admitted that it is now up to a few dedicated and hopeful players to remain steadfast in submitting videos of their workout sessions.
Manica Diamonds’ midfield workhorse, Roderick ‘Jecha’ Mufudza said, “Covid-19 has affected us a lot. If the league games are to start anytime soon, we will have challenges getting back into shape.
“We are having individual sessions but they are not enough for a football player to perform well during matches.
“The long break has also crippled us financially, we used to get allowances and bonuses. With no games being played, we are not getting such allowances. Therefore accessing data to communicate with our coaches is a major challenge,” said the football star.
Mufudza, however, drew some interesting positives from the whole scenario.
“On the other hand, since the pandemic started, it is like I am experiencing life after my playing days. I am actually learning ways to survive and take care of my family,” he said.
Chicken Inn FC 2019 player of the season, Tichaona Chipunza said, “Most players have lost hope about playing football this season. It is hard to comment for everyone, but it is not easy to keep training when there are so many doubts on the season. Lack of motivation is now affecting many players’ workouts.”
But for former Manica Diamonds skipper, Partson ‘Yellow’ Jaure, the Covid-19 lockdown has been a blessing in disguise.
“I should say this has come as a blessing in disguise for me given the road accident and injuries I suffered just before the Covid-19 lockdown. I have had time to recover and I am now almost 100 percent fit.
“However, I do not see us playing football this year. It would be a pleasant surprise if we are to play this year,” said the Dynamos FC defence lynchpin.
