By Moagi Madisa
Botswana international marksman Mogakolodi Ngele has become the latest footballer to add his weight to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Tsotso’, as he is affectionately known, reminded his compatriots to stay home and calmly follow procedurals as issued by the health practitioners in the landlocked country.
“The government is working hard to curb the pandemic and as is, the health practitioners are busy at work as frontlines to this pandemic. The best we can do is to stay home and keep fit. A little time of exercise in your homestead makes a difference,” urged Ngele.
Ngele (29) has played for all junior national teams and the national team including helping the Zebras reach their maiden Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearance in 2012.
The Black Leopard playmaker has enjoyed his stay in South Africa since his arrival in 2012. He has played for clubs such as Platinum Stars, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United respectively.
Whilst in his home country, he played for Township Rollers and Flamingo Santos.
At the time of going to press, Botswana had tested over 4,000 people with a record of 20 positive cases of the virus and one death.
Although the government was on track to roll out a 20,000 indiscriminate community testing in selected major towns and villages, the exercise has since been suspended to adopt the new contact tracing tests rapidly.
Batswana are encouraged to 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.
