Drakenstein soccer team shows the way

YOU can always play sports, but you can never restore a life lost.

These were the words of soccer coach Boebie Solomons of Batalion Football Club in Drakenstein as he reflected on all the measures the club had taken since September that have resulted in zero Covid-19 infections in the team thus far.

“However, you can do what you love in a safe way,” said Solomons.

In September the club had an information session on Covid-19 presented by a healthcare worker which they attribute the zero infection rate to. “The safer way to go about interaction for training and games does not come naturally. Keeping everyone safe requires constant reminders,” he said.

His measures include fewer players in a vehicle while on their way to a training session or match, keeping windows open, wearing masks and keeping a register of everyone attending training sessions or matches, as well as screening them. He also keeps players spread out over a bigger area when training and regularly cleans equipment, among other courses of action. “When we do a war cry now, we wear our masks. It feels laughable, but this is what we need to do to protect one another, so we’ll do it,” said Solomons.

“Soccer is a team sport, which means team spirit and camaraderie is very important. When you play it is like going to war and you need to know that the other person has your back. Now things are different.”

His advice to other coaches is to make sure the team understands what Covid-19 is and how it spreads.