The sponsors of the 2020 Africa Fives series have announced the postponement of the competitions to a date yet to be determined later this year citing the COVID-19 pandemic as reason.
Following the Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic and various measures implemented by governments on the continent to curb the virus, the sponsors, Castle Lager and Trophy Lager, while announcing the postponement, said, “The impact of COVID-19, as well as the safety and well-being of the role players is something we take extremely seriously.”
Speaking through Castle Lager Brand Director, Kudzi Mathabire, the sponsors added: “In light of measures implemented by governments in the continent and the world over, we have come to a decision to postpone our planned activities to later this year.
“We understand that this decision may disappoint the football community, but in the spirit of encouraging social distancing and playing our part in curbing the virus, we have to make this difficult yet necessary decision on the basis that football is a highly social sport that is enjoyed in large groups.”
Africa’s Premier Social League, Africa Fives, a leading movement to connect Africans from different walks of life and as with every year, the winning country champions will compete against other country champions in South Africa on a date that is yet to be confirmed.
According to the sponsors, while the 2020 winners of the Africa Fives were set to win a football trip to Milan, Italy, hosted by campaign ambassador, Samuel Eto’o, the seriousness of COVID-19 has led to the decision that for the first time in the history of the competition, the winners prize will be of monetary value totalling $15, 000 for each of the teams.
“It is unfortunate that participants will not be getting this experience, however, the safety of our consumers remains our number one priority. Furthermore, we truly believe that the teams can use the prize money to better their lives,” said Mathabire. Entries for participants across all countries have been extended to July 31, 2020 and will only be through web entries.
