Positive mentality helps Vries bounce back from Covid-19
...calls on nation to do own research on pandemic
Virgil Vries was a notable absentee during Namibia's recent World Cup qualifier matches after he had to withdraw from the team following a positive Covid-19 test. But he has made a return to action at club level.
The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on all sectors of life, with football not being spared the effects of the disease.
Namibia's Brave Warriors were also affected as they prepared to take on Congo and Togo in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers matches earlier this month.
At the time, it was the goalkeeping department that was affected as Virgil Vries tested positive for the disease in the build-up to those games.
The netminder, though, made a quick recovery and was in goal when Swallows lost 3-0 to Orlando Pirates at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg on Sunday, 19 September 2021. His team was due to play Cape Town City at the same venue on Friday, 24 September.
Attitude is key
Reflecting on his brush with Covid-19, Vries tells The PlayMaker that while it was disappointing to miss Namibia's fixtures, his positive mindset carried him through the process.
“To be honest, I was not okay for the fact that I was going to miss our game,” he said. “But other than that, I was very positive with my attitude.”
As for what he did to ensure his quick recovery, Vries lists his ability to follow the requirements as crucial.
“I took my medication on time and did what was expected of me when I was in isolation,” he said of his two weeks away.
With his experience comes the added role of being a voice in the fight to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Vries has a strong message for his fellow Namibians.
“Covid is serious and we have to treat it that way… If we want things to be normal, we have to get the vaccine and stop listening to all the things being said. We have to do our own research.”
The question as to whether to get vaccinated or not is up to the individual, but Vries calls for responsible action from all concerned.
“If you don't want to be vaccinated then do the right thing by taking your immune booster, sanitise your hands and stay away from crowded places. We can do this [beat the pandemic]together as a nation and we need each other to overcome this,” he states.
Ambitions
On the field of play, Vries' club side, Swallows, have had a lukewarm start to the season, although they remain in the hunt for early honours as they are due to again take on Cape Town City tomorrow (Wednesday, 29 September) in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals.
In the DSTV Premiership, Swallows are 12th after last weekend's 0-0 draw.
The goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets for Swallows and insists that this season might just be the one that silverware comes the club's way.
“As a footballer you always want to win silverware and it's the same here because we have a very good squad,” he said from Soweto.
On the national team front, Vries can't wait to get back into the thick of things for Namibia, although he is erring on the side of caution when it comes to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“We are in a very good position as a nation in the World Cup qualifiers. We are taking it one game at a time but it [qualification] is possible and I want to be part of it,” he informed ThePlayMaker excitedly.