7 May 2020 – Orlando Pirates have confirmed that one of their star players has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first PSL player infected.

On the day the PSL is set to meet to discuss the way forward for the currently suspended 2019/20 season, Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Ben Motshwari has tested positive for COVID-19.

The 29-year-old, who has been one of the club’s most-used midfielders when he has been available for selection, has been placed on two-week self-isolation.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Ben Motshwari has tested positive for COVID-19,” read a statement from Bucs on Thursday afternoon.

“Ben was presented with flu-like symptoms last week and after undergoing tests, his results have come back positive.

“The player is asymptomatic and is currently in home isolation for the next 14 days. He will need to test negative before he is cleared.”

The club is now looking to trace Motshwari’s contacts from the previous two weeks to determine the possible extent of the spread within the player’s surroundings and potentially within their own stable.

“The Club has also advised that the player must notify the doctors of all the people that he has been in contact with to ensure that they also get tested,” the statement further noted.

(source: Kickoff.com)