30 May 2020

Sports competitions are due to resume with effect from June 1, says Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development Mr Kago Ramokate.

Briefing the media on May 30, Mr Ramokate said all sports competitions except football, netball and rugby would be allowed to compete as per the approval of the ministry with regard to COVID-19 protocols.

Mr Ramokate noted that spectators however, would not be allowed at such sporting competitions as per guidelines of the pandemic regarding gatherings. This, he said, would be reviewed after August. He further indicated that junior sports programmes would be allowed to resume with consent of parents.

In addition, Mr Ramokate said recreational sports could also resume -  with regard to compliance to COVID-19 protocols. On Constituency sport tournaments, Mr Ramokate said the competitions were still suspended and any new developments would be communicated.

Furthermore, Mr Ramokate said relief programme for professional athletes would be provided even for sporting codes that had been allowed to resume competitions such as cycling. He said for athletes to benefit from the relief programme, they needed register and get assessed. ENDS