Panic grips sport as coronavirus spreads
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday March 13, 2020 12:36
Since the first case of the virus was reported in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019, more than 118,000 people have been infected and over 4,300 deaths recorded worldwide.
A number of sporting activities across the world have been postponed with others facing cancellation.
Local sport has not been spared with authorities forced into precautionary measures. On Wednesday, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) cancelled all external travel for the national teams. The decision was taken as a precautionary measure as a number of countries are hit hard by the pandemic.
Neighbouring, South Africa had 13 cases registered by Thursday morning, the highest in the SADC region.
“The decision was made considering the serious consequences of the infection of any of our sports persons and the risk to the entire nation.
It is therefore important that Botswana sport plays its part and acts responsibly in the midst of a health crisis,” a statement from BNSC reads. “Travel restrictions will therefore remain in force until further notice. The situation will continue to be monitored and seek appropriate medical advice.” Botswana has not recorded a case of the coronavirus, but 16 suspected cases have been registered thus far. Earlier this week, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) cancelled the Under-17 women’s trip to Morocco for their second leg encounter of the World Cup qualifiers.
The BFA has also suspended handshakes at all football activities. Participation at international competitions is likely to be affected with the COSAFA Under-17 women tournament in Mauritius and 2021 AFCON qualifiers also suspect cases.
The Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) has suspended the national team selections that were scheduled for this weekend. On Wednesday, the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) announced that the country’s drawcard, the 1000km Toyota Desert Race, also known as Mantshwabisi may be cancelled. Mantshwabisi attracts around 200,000 spectators and was scheduled to be held in June.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) would hold the third round of the national selections as planned at the BNYC hall this weekend. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, BTTA president Kudzanani Motswagole said they would exercise all precautionary measures at the tournament.
“The tournament will go on as planned, table tennis is not a contact sport, so we feel we are not at risk at the moment. But we have advised the players and teams to follow the precautionary measures set by health officials,” he said. “Our country does not have a confirmed case yet, so we are not pressing panic buttons. Until then all our activities will go on as planned but with precaution.”