Training via an app
Some South African clubs have taken training online to keep morale up and their players in shape.
Jesse Jackson Kauraisa
WINDHOEK
Namibian international and Bidvest Wits player Deon Hotto has revealed that all club members have been training together via an app.
Both Namibia and neighbouring South Africa have been on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic since the end of March.
The footballer has not returned home because the South African premier division (PSL) officials have yet to decide on the future of the league.
Reports from South Africa have suggested that officials plan to continue the league behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Zoom training
However, this will likely only be done after all South African club footballers have been tested for the virus and kept in quarantine for 14 days.
In the meantime, Hotto and his teammates have turned to the popular app Zoom to stay fit.
“It has been a very difficult and confusing time for us, but we are trying our best to keep fit while getting instructions from our physio trainers on the app.
“It's working but it is definitely not the same as when you are on the field and working out on a bigger area,” the midfielder said.
Possible solution criticised
“We were told that the PSL will have a direction as to what will happen by Thursday,” Hotto said.
Elsewhere, both the French and Dutch leagues have called off their seasons and awarded titles to winning clubs.
Playing behind closed doors has been widely criticised by South African sport scribes, who feel it will remain unsafe as long as coronavirus cases continue to increase.
Mental health impact
Hotto said it is important for footballers to remain mentally strong to avoid nervous breakdowns.
“The most important thing at the moment is that we continue to focus on the positives in order to avoid being overwhelmed.
“The truth is that my body does not feel the same as when I was playing regularly but I have to adapt and keep pushing,” he said.
The player further revealed that life has slowed down massively, and added that he has been quite bored as he barely leaves the house.
“We order food online and we get it delivered to us,” he added.
WINDHOEK
Namibian international and Bidvest Wits player Deon Hotto has revealed that all club members have been training together via an app.
Both Namibia and neighbouring South Africa have been on lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic since the end of March.
The footballer has not returned home because the South African premier division (PSL) officials have yet to decide on the future of the league.
Reports from South Africa have suggested that officials plan to continue the league behind closed doors to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
Zoom training
However, this will likely only be done after all South African club footballers have been tested for the virus and kept in quarantine for 14 days.
In the meantime, Hotto and his teammates have turned to the popular app Zoom to stay fit.
“It has been a very difficult and confusing time for us, but we are trying our best to keep fit while getting instructions from our physio trainers on the app.
“It's working but it is definitely not the same as when you are on the field and working out on a bigger area,” the midfielder said.
Possible solution criticised
“We were told that the PSL will have a direction as to what will happen by Thursday,” Hotto said.
Elsewhere, both the French and Dutch leagues have called off their seasons and awarded titles to winning clubs.
Playing behind closed doors has been widely criticised by South African sport scribes, who feel it will remain unsafe as long as coronavirus cases continue to increase.
Mental health impact
Hotto said it is important for footballers to remain mentally strong to avoid nervous breakdowns.
“The most important thing at the moment is that we continue to focus on the positives in order to avoid being overwhelmed.
“The truth is that my body does not feel the same as when I was playing regularly but I have to adapt and keep pushing,” he said.
The player further revealed that life has slowed down massively, and added that he has been quite bored as he barely leaves the house.
“We order food online and we get it delivered to us,” he added.
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