Namibia international Joslin Kamatuka says players and fans must stay positive in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and learn to adapt to the “new normal” that it has brought.

Kamatuka, who plays for Cape Umoya United in South Africa’s GladAfrica Championship, admits that it has been tough going without the routine of training and matches, but says he is focused on taking what positives he can from the situation.

“These are unprecedented time for Namibia and the global community at large, but it is important for us to keep on going, move forward and stay motivated. We need to adapt to the situation and find a positive out of the negative,” Kamatuka says.

“Everyone is in the same boat, everyone was hit by this pandemic, whether you are in the sports industry, entertainment or corporate world. We are all in the same boat.

For us as soccer players, we don’t know anything, like when we are going to start [playing again], we just keep on training. We get programmes from our club and have Zoom video sessions.

“Every morning I run, I have three sessions with a personal trainer, that is how I keep myself going.”

Kamatuka says his positive is that he has been able to spend more time with his family in lockdown in South Africa, which is still in place after 74 days, though some restrictions have been eased.

“I have my daughter with me, she is the reason I do what I do so that keeps me motivated,” he says.

“It is also a positive I take out of this situation, that I have time to spend with my daughter. This is the longest I have been with my family since I moved to Cape Town.

“There is nothing we can do about this, we have to just adapt to the situation. Keep moving forward and keep the faith.”

Winger Kamatuka joined Cape Umoya in November 2018 and has been a regular for them ever since.
He has also been a regular for Namibia in the last few seasons and featured for the country at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Check out Kamatuka’s video message here!

Meanwhile, supporters in all COSAFA nations are urged to follow the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, 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.