Malawi National Council of Sports has downplayed the Covid-19 risks that the country’s athletes are exposed to due to prolonged stay at the Region 5 Games in Lesotho, saying precautionary measures are being strictly followed.
This comes after revelations that at least 150 athletes and officials out of 6 142 tested Covid-19 positive since November 24, putting positivity rate of infections at two percent, according to an article on Lesotho government website www.gov.ls.
Team South Africa announced on its official website their withdrawal from the Games on Wednesday due to the increasing Covid-19 cases within their fold.
However, Sports Council public relations and communications officer Edgar Ntulumbwa yesterday disclosed that all the flag carriers will have a prolonged stay at the event although most of them have finished their assignments.
Meanwhile, four of the eight sports disciplines have concluded their assignments at the Games but will be back home at the end of the event on December 13.
Netball, football, taekwondo and boxing wrapped up their games within the week with a haul of nine medals, a gold through taekwondo athlete Veronica Manda, silver through Junior Queens and bronze through Junior Flames and six amateur boxers.
Other sporting codes judo, athletics and athletics for the visually impaired were yet to start yesterday while lawn tennis matches are underway.
“All our athletes will stay put in Lesotho until all disciplines conclude their assignments. The reason is that, Team Malawi travelled to the Games on a chartered plane and they should return home together in the same manner,” he said.
On the safety of the athletes in the wake of the fast-spreading Covid-19’s Omicron variant, Ntulumbwa said they have engaged a strict regime of protocols, including tests every 72 hours at the athletes’ residences.
“Our athletes will remain safe as we have been vigilant to observe medical protocols. Moreover, they are staying at their special residents. They only come out when getting into the field and all athletes get tested before getting into action. Strict regime of protocols are being followed and our athlete will safely return home,” he explained.
Football Association of Malawi general secretary Alfred Gunda and his Netball Association of Malawi counterpart Isaac Chimwala yesterday said they were hopeful that the Covid-19 protocols will be followed.
“It is our wish that all our athletes return home safely and we have been assured of this,” Gunda said.
Chimwala explained that they understand the current arrangement of letting all the Malawi athletes to travel together, saying it is cost effective.
The latest variant of Covid-19 has so far been detected in at least 50 countries globally.
to finalise.
On his part, TNM marketing and sponsorship manager Limbani Nsapato said this year’s event would be special.
He said: “All is set to decorate and honour the achievers of the 2021 season at a special ceremony on Friday night in Blantyre. For this year’s event, the stage has been combined to honour players, technical panels, team administrators, referees and sports journalist together.
“These awards honour excellence on the field by players in the top-flight league and sports journalists who bring the games live to people’s home through their coverage in newspapers, on radio, online and television.”
However, Banda said the Player of the Season award would be done later.
On his part, Nyasa Big Bullets chief administration officer Albert Chigoga said they were looking forward to the event. He said: “It makes one feel excited that after a very long and difficult season, we can come together to witness awards. As champions, we relish to be part of the ceremony.
