The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has affected all sports events across the world.

Local sports clubs have expressed concern over how the lockdown will affect these sporting activities.

Ms Mandisa Mkhwanazi from the Lovedale Basketball Club told the Highvelder that they are saddened by the lockdown as it has set their league back.

They would’ve been done with the first round of the league was it not for the pandemic.

However, basketball players have followed some programmes to stay fit.

Ms Mkhwanazi said: “Players and supporters do not need to worry about these games as we have worked something out for after the lockdown.

“For now, let’s all join hands together in the fight against the Coronavirus, let’s stay at home and stay fit.”

The shooting clubs in Ermelo are concerned over the amnesty and the licenses that need to be renewed.

Ms Elize Barnett from the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association Club, said the game industry is going to be severely hampered if the restriction is to be extended again, as the hunting season is opening soon and hunting trips will have to be cancelled.

Mr Christo Botha from Ermelo Defensive Pistol club said: “Many of the members practice dry fire, this is a process where a shooter can build muscle memory at home.

“This restriction also provides an opportunity for members to carefully check and clean their equipment.”

Meanwhile, rugby players of the Ermelo Rugby Club are anxious to get back on the field as they are ready for the season.

According to Mr Pierre van Rooyen, of the Ermelo Rugby Club, he sent a proposal to the rugby union that they should have rugby days after the lockdown has been lifted to catch up on the games that were cancelled.

Their biggest concern is that the league may be completely cancelled due to the lockdown, but as for now, Mr van Rooyen said that he hopes that each player practises at home.

The Ermelo gymnastics club is concerned that if the lockdown is extended for too long that the gymnasts will have to work extremely hard to regain their muscle strength.

Ms Thina van Rensburg told the Highvelder that they worked out a program for every gymnast and hope that they keep up with the program.

She added that they are excited to see their students again and they miss every class with them.

“To all my students, keep to your exercise programmes to stay fit and stay healthy,” she concluded.