• 16 April 2020 – Lesotho has yet to record a coronavirus case in the country, but that does not mean it is time to get complacent.

Women’s national team captain Boitumelo ‘Queen’ Rabale, who has been studying in the United States at Lewis and Clark Community College, says now is not the time to relax and urged her fellow citizens to stay vigilant and obey rules.

“I urge everyone to assist and do their part as we face this global pandemic,” she said. “All of you play an important role in stopping the spread of this virus.

“What you do matters, not just to older and medically vulnerable people, but to everyone who could potentially catch this virus.

“I encourage you all to stay home, stay healthy, and practice good hygiene and social distancing. Be kind enough to save yourself and everyone.”

The former Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies captain has been on a football and academic scholarship in America since 2017, and was unstoppable this past season, netting 57-goals as her side finished third in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

It earned her the Junior College-All American National Women’s Player of the Year.

Before leaving for the USA, Rabale enjoyed a successful spell with South African side Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies, where she twice won the Sasol League National Championship as the captain.

You can watch Rabale’s video message right here!

Lesotho fans should adhere to the guidelines laid out by WHO 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)