The fear of the unknown future
Many in the sport fraternity say the coronavirus has not only stopped them from playing, but has created a world of emotional distress.
As I sit down at my desk and sanitise my hands, ready to start the day, I decide to give a ring to a few sportsmen.
It's no secret that we've all been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but from the voices of those I called, fear, sadness and uncertainty has overwhelmed those who used to be happy football players and boxers.
Some sound as if they've just returned from a funeral.
It is not the death of a loved one that has them down in the dumps, but the distress and fear of the unknown which has been inevitable during this tough global health crisis, which has affected every sector around the world.
Brave Warriors international midfielder Wangu Gome, who currently plies his trade in the Armenian League, said the situation in that country is the same as here at home, with all sporting events having been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The player said many people are taking necessary precautions given the severity of the virus that has infected many around the world.
Gome, who recently moved to Armenia, expressed disappointment in the fact that he is currently unable to play the game he crossed oceans for.
Speaking from the European country, he said: “The league here in Armenia has been called off until further notice.
“It's very sad for us footballers who want to play the game but are unable to because of this global health catastrophe.
“Many people enjoy watching and playing the beautiful game here and it's just strange how our lives changed in a matter of seconds because of the virus.”
Gome recently signed to Alashkert in the Armenian Premier League for an undisclosed fee following a dry spell at South Africa's Cape Umoya United.
The player, who thought his days of frustration and depression were all behind him after finally inking a deal with the Armenians, is disappointed that the virus has impacted his progress.
A devout Christian, Gome said he will however not let what is happening to the world make him give up on sport, given that he “serves a living God”.
“Our health comes first, more than anything, and if we are not feeling well, we will not be able to play, and so I believe to call off the league for a few days was the right decision taken.
“I do not know yet if this will affect our salaries but we will be informed about everything in due course,” he added.
Another sport personality, Jeremiah 'Lowkey' Nakathila, who was scheduled to fight on 28 March for the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Boxing and Fitness Academy, said he has not taken the situation lightly.
“I've been feeling terrible since all this started and it got worse after my promoter announced that the fight will not take place any more.
“It's very sad for me as a boxer who was looking forward to defending my crown.
“I am sure that it's sad as well for those who bought their tickets to come watch me fight,” Nakathila remarked.
Maximilian Mbaeva, who plays for South African premiership club Golden Arrows, said the virus has brought more confusion than he's ever seen in his football career.
Usually jolly and a joker, the conversation was much different from any of the other I've had with him.
With no laughter and no jokes cracked, the goalkeeper said he is just as worried and stressed about the situation.
The mood all over the camp has been down since the announcement, he said, although they all believe it was the right decision to call off matches for now.
“I believe that no one will be happy by the fact that they are not able to play football for an uncertain period of time.
“I am sad and so are many people who make a living and love to play the beautiful game.
“We are all trying our best to be calm in this situation but one can't help but to panic and be sad about the situation on the ground,” Mbaeva said.
The goalkeeper advises everyone to stay clean and avoid travelling to high-risk places.
Bidvest Wits player Deon Hotto, who also plays in the South African premiership, is equally worried.
“The situation here is bad. Everything is shut down, there's no training and we need to be isolated to be safe,” the distressed midfielder lamented.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
It's no secret that we've all been affected by the coronavirus pandemic, but from the voices of those I called, fear, sadness and uncertainty has overwhelmed those who used to be happy football players and boxers.
Some sound as if they've just returned from a funeral.
It is not the death of a loved one that has them down in the dumps, but the distress and fear of the unknown which has been inevitable during this tough global health crisis, which has affected every sector around the world.
Brave Warriors international midfielder Wangu Gome, who currently plies his trade in the Armenian League, said the situation in that country is the same as here at home, with all sporting events having been cancelled due to COVID-19.
The player said many people are taking necessary precautions given the severity of the virus that has infected many around the world.
Gome, who recently moved to Armenia, expressed disappointment in the fact that he is currently unable to play the game he crossed oceans for.
Speaking from the European country, he said: “The league here in Armenia has been called off until further notice.
“It's very sad for us footballers who want to play the game but are unable to because of this global health catastrophe.
“Many people enjoy watching and playing the beautiful game here and it's just strange how our lives changed in a matter of seconds because of the virus.”
Gome recently signed to Alashkert in the Armenian Premier League for an undisclosed fee following a dry spell at South Africa's Cape Umoya United.
The player, who thought his days of frustration and depression were all behind him after finally inking a deal with the Armenians, is disappointed that the virus has impacted his progress.
A devout Christian, Gome said he will however not let what is happening to the world make him give up on sport, given that he “serves a living God”.
“Our health comes first, more than anything, and if we are not feeling well, we will not be able to play, and so I believe to call off the league for a few days was the right decision taken.
“I do not know yet if this will affect our salaries but we will be informed about everything in due course,” he added.
Another sport personality, Jeremiah 'Lowkey' Nakathila, who was scheduled to fight on 28 March for the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Boxing and Fitness Academy, said he has not taken the situation lightly.
“I've been feeling terrible since all this started and it got worse after my promoter announced that the fight will not take place any more.
“It's very sad for me as a boxer who was looking forward to defending my crown.
“I am sure that it's sad as well for those who bought their tickets to come watch me fight,” Nakathila remarked.
Maximilian Mbaeva, who plays for South African premiership club Golden Arrows, said the virus has brought more confusion than he's ever seen in his football career.
Usually jolly and a joker, the conversation was much different from any of the other I've had with him.
With no laughter and no jokes cracked, the goalkeeper said he is just as worried and stressed about the situation.
The mood all over the camp has been down since the announcement, he said, although they all believe it was the right decision to call off matches for now.
“I believe that no one will be happy by the fact that they are not able to play football for an uncertain period of time.
“I am sad and so are many people who make a living and love to play the beautiful game.
“We are all trying our best to be calm in this situation but one can't help but to panic and be sad about the situation on the ground,” Mbaeva said.
The goalkeeper advises everyone to stay clean and avoid travelling to high-risk places.
Bidvest Wits player Deon Hotto, who also plays in the South African premiership, is equally worried.
“The situation here is bad. Everything is shut down, there's no training and we need to be isolated to be safe,” the distressed midfielder lamented.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
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