President Magufuli express desire to resume League matches in Tanzania

 League matches in Tanzania maybe getting ready for a possible season resumption. PHOTO: Tanzania's President John Magufuli waves as he leaves after the official election announcement ceremony in Dar es Salaam October 30, 2015 AFP

President John Magufuli has expressed his desire to have football back in Tanzania despite rising Coronavirus cases in the country.

Tanzania Football Federation suspended football activities in the country in March following the spread of coronavirus.

So far there has been 480 Covid-19 positive cases in the country with 167 recoveries and 17 deaths.

According to Goal.com, Magufuli said he may consider possible resumption of the current campaign, although he is awaiting proper advice from his health professionals to determine when it will be safe for matches to resume as they attempt to limit the disruption caused by the suspension of football as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Truth be told, in the coming days, I am also thinking of allowing the league to resume and go on so that people can start watching their teams playing. What we only need is the best procedures to be put in place and followed,” President John Magufuli said.

“I understand, although people have been affected by corona, I am yet to see an athlete suffering from it. This shows that those who exercise regularly are not easily affected by the coronavirus.

“If we deny them [footballers] playing football, in essence, we are telling them to get coronavirus, by implications.

“It will reach a time soon, I am only waiting for my health advisors word, when I will allow the league to resume. Soon it is possible.

“Covid-19 is a disease that will remain with us same way as TB and even Aids and we must not stop our daily day activities!”

The different impact of the virus in different countries means there is no planned uniform restart. 

Whatever the circumstances for individual leagues, FIFA have made it clear they would rather competitions finished later and made the safety of everyone involved an absolute certainty.