All systems are in place for the restart of the 2019/2020 National Club Championships of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF).
When the Championships recommence next Tuesday, 21st July at the Victoria Park, seven matches are down for decision in the First Division and thirty- five in the Premier Division.
Third Vice- President of the SVGFF- Dwight Roberts, who is also head of the Tournament’s Committee, projects that “by next Monday, everything will be complete.”
Roberts noted that among the preparations and protocols to be enforced is the testing of all players, management staff, referees, match commissioners, office staff of the SVGFF, and media personnel.
This is in keeping with national protocols aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
“We are pleased with the (response to) testing, especially among the Premier Division clubs, but I must admit the First Division has been less co-operative,” Roberts related.
Roberts gave high commendations to the officials from the Ministry of Health, for facilitating the testing process.
“We have certain protocols that have to be put in place… These include installing hand sanitising stations at the venue- the Victoria Park… We have to ensure that we stick to the guidelines set by the National COVID-19 Taskforce and adhere to all health practices,” Roberts assured.
No Spectators
Roberts reiterated that no spectators would be allowed at the Victoria Park for next week’s restart of the championships and ongoing, but is hopeful that that restriction will be relaxed sometime thereafter.
“Again, there will be no spectators allowed at the venue, but with the new developments with permission to have amplified music, we are hopeful that during the course of the matches, fans would be allowed, even a limited number,” Roberts said.
Live Coverage
With the absence of spectators, all matches will be beamed live on SVGFF’s Facebook page, while there will be radio commentary from Nice Radio.
Roberts said that this will enable the diehard fans, resident here and overseas, to keep abreast with what is happening with the championships.
Kicking off the restart will be a First Division encounter between Volcanoes and K & R Strikers from 5:30 p.m, with SV United and Greiggs battling from 7:30 p.m in the Premier Division.
A double header in the Premier Division is carded for Wednesday, and pits Camdonia- Chelsea versus Hope International from 530pm, to be followed by Sion Hill against BESCO- Pastures from 730pm.
The Championships should wrap up next month.