The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWE international and one of the prominent players in the Absa Premier Soccer League, Elvis Chipezeze, has provided his unique perspective on being restricted to lockdown in a foreign country.
The Baroka goalkeeper and captain is under lockdown like everybody else and understands it is very important for people to follow the rules and stay safe.
It’s week one of South Africa’s 21-day lockdown and the PSL remains suspended since March 16 due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has been declared a national disaster.
“No, no, no, as long as the family is here, there’s nothing to worry about,” Chipezeze told KickOff.com.
“They are fine [his Zimbabwean-based family] since the country is also on lockdown. They are also not worried.”
He says his neighbourhood has been very quiet since President Cyril Ramaphosa introduced the lockdown.
“When they say lockdown, it’s lockdown. Everyone is indoors. So there is nothing you can do. There is no time to go out or live the normal life we used to,” he says.
“It’s a lockdown, papa. Everyone must stay indoors, papa. Stay at home, papa. Safety comes first. So I think they did a good thing in doing the lockdown thing because like I said, health comes first, more than anything.
“My family is around so spending time with family is also a good thing since we are always on the move you see. So spending time with our families is also important right now. I’m with my wife and also with my children. Obviously we are staying indoors.
“It’s tough you know because as you see the numbers are growing each and every day. Like in Italy, it’s tough for everyone you know because once it gets you then for us as footballers let’s say we are together then I get the virus, then it spreads quickly.
“So it’s a challenging time for everyone. Obviously we have to deal with the virus first, and then our lives will be back to normal. The priority now is to contain the virus and make sure that we are healthy.
“Follow the rules you know, stay indoors, sanitise every time. They must also try the social distancing and stuff,” said Chipezeze.
Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend, Itumeleng Khune, also weighed in with his sentiments on the lockdown.
Chiefs skipper Khune, who has previously captained the South African senior side, had his lockdown message mainly targeted at fans across the Southern African region.
Khune wants fans across Southern Africa to work as a team in the battle to beat the coronavirus pandemic.
The veteran goalkeeper is in lockdown at home in South Africa, and has urged supporters to stay indoors and do their bit in the fight against the deadly pandemic.
“I want to give you guys some advice – stay at home, stay fit, stay healthy and make sure we fight this coronavirus together,” Khune said.
“If we ‘join hands’ we can defeat it, but alone we cannot defeat it. So let’s work as a team, let’s help our government, because they are trying everything they can do,’’ said Khune. – Kick-off/Cosafa.com/Sports Reporter
