Pandemic in Brazil has Sandro fretting about his family

The Covid-19 pandemic is worsening in Brazil and Selangor midfielder Sandro Mendonca can’t help but worry for his family’s health.

The South American nation has reported 1.37 million cases and 58,385 deaths since the deadly pandemic started in February.

And Mendonca, who has already lost an uncle and a few friends to the virus, said he was constantly in touch with his parents and siblings to make sure they were all right.

The 36-year-old hopes the situation improves soon so he can focus on his training with Selangor.

“I am in a tough situation as the cases in Brazil are increasing and my family is there. My parents are old and they are in the high-risk group,” said the swashbuckling midfielder.

“Due to the time difference between Brazil and Malaysia, it’s hard for me to keep in touch with my family and I have been losing sleep as I worry about the situation at home.”

“I pray the situation there improves soon. The political situation there is also not so good. I want all my family members to be safe.

“I have already lost an elderly uncle due to the virus and several of my childhood friends, with whom I grew up playing football, have also died. I couldn’t bid them a proper goodbye ... but life goes on and we need to make sure we keep our loved ones safe and try to help those who are affected by the virus.”

Commenting on the M-League, Mendonca conceded that players and teams face an uphill battle to get back their fitness after three months of inactivity.

He added that despite the challenge, he was glad the season was inching closer to resumption in September and hoped Selangor can hit the ground running.

The Red Giants are currently placed sixth in the 12-team league with five points after four matches.