FAITH NDOU
MASVINGO-The Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League (PSERSL) has made it mandatory for all affiliated clubs to provide a fully equipped ambulance at every match venue following recent incidents involving serious player injuries and concerns over emergency preparedness.
In a statement in possession of the Midweek Watch, PSERSL Regional Administrator Fungai Munyoro-Chingaira said the directive was introduced to strengthen medical response and protect the welfare of players, officials and spectators.
“With immediate effect, the provision of a fully equipped ambulance at every match venue is now mandatory for all league fixtures,” reads part of the statement.
The decision comes after FC Wangu Mazodze goalkeeper Nico Fish sustained a serious injury during a league match after bravely diving to stop an attacking move before crashing face-first into the goalpost.
The goalkeeper required urgent medical attention, but there was no ambulance available at the stadium to transport him to hospital.
Instead, Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe, who is also a member of the FC Wangu Mazodze executive, used his private vehicle to rush Fish for treatment.
The incident came after Masvingo United FC goalkeeper Talkmore Tinarwo suffered an injury during a league match in Mutare and was immediately transported to Mutare Provincial Hospital by ambulance.
Munyoro-Chingaira said the recent incidents highlighted the importance of having proper emergency response systems in place at all league matches.
“The safety and welfare of players, match officials, team officials and spectators remain the League’s highest priority,” she said.
The league has directed all home clubs to ensure that a functional and fully equipped ambulance is present at the venue before kick-off and remains available throughout the duration of the match.
PSERSL warned that clubs failing to comply with the directive risked disciplinary action, including possible delays or postponement of fixtures.
“Failure to comply with this directive may result in delayed kick-off or postponement of the fixture. Disciplinary action shall be taken against the defaulting club in accordance with the PSERSL Rules and Regulations, and any other sanctions deemed appropriate by the League,” the statement reads.
The contrasting experiences from the two incidents have intensified calls for strict enforcement of medical and safety requirements at football matches.
Munyoro-Chingaira urged all affiliated clubs to take the directive seriously as the league continues efforts to improve safety standards.
