By Moagi Madisa
Away from home, football fans in Botswana will be happy to learn that Zebras winger Mpho Kgaswane is safe and sound in Azerbaijan amid the coronavirus pandemic that has swept across the world.
Kgaswane, 25, plies his trade with Zira FC in the Premyer Laqasi, a first tier league with eight teams where the winners automatically enter the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round.
Speaking to COSAFA.com in Azerbaijan, Kgaswane told football fans to adhere to precautions set by health practitioners in order to beat the pandemic.
“I’d like to take this moment to join other football players around the world to remind the people in my country to stay safe during this COVID-19 pandemic. I know it’s not easy but together as a nation we can beat this disease,” said Kgaswane.
“I encourage people to stay home, wash their hands regularly and sanitize. Importantly so, we should do as we are told by doctors.”
Furthermore, Kgaswane assured his fans that he is safe and adhering to the health regulations of the east European country. Azerbaijan went into lockdown on March 25 for 28 days and has since recorded almost 1700 positive cases with 22 deaths.
Left-footed winger Kgaswane left Baroka FC from South Africa’s Absa Premiership in 2018. He previously played in the semi-professional Botswana Premier League (BPL) with Gaborone United.
You can check out Kgaswane’s video message to Batswana here!
Fans should adhere to the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organisation in the bid to combat the coronavirus outbreak, which include:
Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
