However, the biggest question TOUCHLINE had to ask is; what measures have been in place for sports especially athletes who are role players in prevention against COVID-19 pandemic. Nothing has been said or indicated on precautions that will put in place after lockdown is over. This is a big concern to say the least. As things stands, it seems there will be no sporting activities for the rest of the year taking into consideration the silence from sports federations especially South African Football Association (SAFA) and Premier Soccer League (PSL).
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The silence of the Minister of Sports Nathi Mthethwa is too loud, what is the way forward after suggestions for sports to be played behind closed doors have been dismissed. TOUCHLINE is worried so as the sports’ people especially those sporting codes that involves mass participation. In fact, if what the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Edward “Magents” Motale said is anything to go by, then the PSL must wait because it is clear we are not yet ready to resume with our domestic league programme. It is safe for TOUCHLINE to say, we don’t have a plan yet on how football and other sporting activities are going to take place with COVID-19 pandemic being a biggest obstacle. This has caused frustration to the athletes with some of them claiming that their life without football is not the same or complete. This is the question that some of the coaches and managers have already risen with Sedibeng Ster Sport recently. But having said this, TOUCHLINE agrees with Motale that the league must wait longer until we come up with the best solution for the sake of everyone who is involved in football. The coaches and managers dismissed suggestions that players will wear masks when they play. They believe players won’t breathe properly. To put this in test, TOUCHLINE asked one of the youngsters Kgotso Nhlapo to wear a mask when he trains. He told TOUCHLINE that it was difficult for him to breathe. In conclusion, before we can go back in the field of play, lot of things need to be taking into consideration after lockdown.
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