Covid-19 is emotionally challenging for a local soccer player
“The prohibition on sports has affected us as athletes.”
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on amateur athletes, from issues with fitness to uncovering after-effects that threaten to wreck promising young careers.
Leeroy Shora, who is competing on the reserve team of Kempton Park Football Club, has also been affected.
Express caught up with Shora to talk about the struggles of the pandemic as a player.
Shora has been playing for the football club for nine years.
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“I adore the opportunities soccer brings, particularly for us amateur players. It’s more than a sport, it’s a way of life. Soccer has the power to bring people together and alter people’s lives. It’s a sport that, when done well, puts diversity, inclusiveness and representation front and centre,” he said.
“The prohibition on sports has affected us as athletes.
“Before the lockdown by President Cyril Ramaphosa, it was good to be back on the field. The feeling was amazing. But getting back the physical, mentally and technical fitness wasn’t easy. We didn’t kickstart the season as we would’ve wanted, but the past five games we got back into it and dropped only two points.
“The team has found its players struggling with increased levels of anxiety and stress during the pandemic, as it is distancing us from our daily training and competition routines. It also reduces our performance capacity, damaging our physical, technical and psychological development.
“But if we look at the bigger picture, it is to save our lives and everyone else’s.
“Before competitive games can resume, we as players will need several weeks to get match-fit again. As players, we must maintain a healthy balance in order to perform at our best while avoiding musculoskeletal harm.
“It is critical for us to have enough time to heal physically and emotionally. However, I want to ensure that I will be following the regulations to make sure I’m Covid-free. Working out on my own to guarantee that I’m fit when the team needs me.
“My message to my coach is that you have worked really hard to train me and the other players, and we would not be the squad we are now if it weren’t for you. I would like us to use this time to go back to the drawing board and pick up where we left off.
“To those to wish to walk in my shoes, believe in yourself and work hard. If opportunities present themselves, grab them with both hands. Soccer taught me discipline, team work and patience.”
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