By McGeorge Mbare
The new Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) board has issued a directive that will see the national anthem being sung at all matches involving the Association’s affiliates.
Before this order, the national anthem was only played during international matches.
In a statement, ZIFA directly orders football affiliates to immediately adopt the concept of singing the national anthem prior to the commencement of all matches.
“Dear Members, please be advised that, effective immediately, the national anthem shall be sung prior to the commencement of all matches. This directive must be adhered to by all members under our jurisdiction,”ZIFA statement reads.
The ZIFA initiative follows the concept of the United States and Canada sports traditions where they always play the national anthem before matches. This tradition is equated with nationalism and patriotism.
The following list of football affiliates are advised to sing the national anthem before matches.
1.Clubs of the Men’s Premier Soccer League
2.Men’s Premier Soccer League
3.Clubs of the Women’s Premier Soccer League
4.Women’s Premier Soccer League
5.Men’s Regional Divisional One Leagues
6.Women’s Regional Division One Leagues
7.Men’s Provincial Leagues
8.Beach Soccer Football Association
9.Futsal Football Association
10.National Association of Primary Schools Heads
11.National Association of Secondary Schools Heads
12.National Association of Tertiary Institutions
Area Zones