5 April 2020 – Banyana Banyana forward Andisiwe Mgcoyi has shared her thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the world as she self-isolates in Albania, where she is a star for Apolonia FC.

Mgcoyi had scored 17 goals in only eight games before the winter break in the European nation, a tally she has not been able to add to following the subsequent halt to the league due to the coronavirus outbreak.

She has urged South Africans and all those across the continent to listen to authorities and take responsibility for their own actions in dealing with the deadly pandemic.

“I play my football in Albania. I wanted to share I am well and safe, and doing my best to stay alive. I need to ask you to do the same,” Mgcoyi said.

“Listen, respect and most of all, take responsibility by heeding to the President’s request and we will all come out winners. Let us turn a negative into positives.”

South Africa is almost halfway through a 21-day lockdown that is due to end on April 16, though there is the possibility it will be extended.

The 31-year-old Mgcoyi has played for Cape Town Roses and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies in her homeland, and also previously had a spell in Germany with FC Saarbrücken, and in Slovakia with Nové Zámky.

She is not the only South African player at Apolonia, with defender Zanele Nhlapo having captaining the team this season.

Albania has so far recorded 333 cases of coronavirus in the country, with 20 deaths attributed to the illness.

You can check out Andisiwe’s video message right here.

Remember to adhere to the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organisation in the bid to combat the coronavirus outbreak, which include:

Wash your hands frequently: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Maintain social distancing: Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene: Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early: Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

(source: COSAFA.com)