COVID-19 outbreaks in the Olympics village, leaving an atmosphere of tension among the athletes. As three members from the South African Soccer Squad, tested positive of the terrifying virus.
The South African team’s video analyst Mario Masa tested positive for the coronavirus on arrival in Tokyo. Therefore, the whole squad was sent under quarantine, and during this period, two footballers from their squad, the Orlando Pirates right-back Thabiso Monyane and the Moroka Swallows midfielder Kamohelo Mahlatsi, were also tested positive, and the soccer team was under strict observation.
The SA soccer team will also miss their training sessions until receiving permissions from Olympic authorities. However, they have their first match against France on July 25, 2021 at the Saitama Stadium.
Tokyo bound U-23 Olympic team checking in at the airport ahead of their 15 hours 🛫 to @2020Tokyocity pic.twitter.com/L0i5QulhJ2
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) July 13, 2021
Mxolisi Sibam, the South African team manager, reported the stats to the media, “We have three positive cases of COVID-19 in the camp here, two players and an official.”
“There is daily screening. Masha and Monyane reported high temperatures and positive saliva tests, and were then taken to do the nasal test… and they unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. Mahlatsi is the latest player to go through the same process,” Sibam further adding to his statement.
Announcement of the tiresome situation has given rise to chaotic ambiance among the other attelets and thus, the tournament officials have already that they are always prepared to face such situations and have every necessary precaution to keep the coronavirus pandemic in check.
Saitama Stadium to host the first Tokyo Olympic match of the South African Soccer Team against France. (Source: Getty Images)
Tokyo Olympics was supposed to take place last year but got postponed because of the COVID-19 situation. Even the authorities restricted the attendance of the audience to keep in the virus outbreak in control.
Only five days are left for the grand sports festival to begin in Tokyo. Further, the authorities are doing their best to maintain a calm and stable atmosphere in the Olympic village to host the tournament peacefully.
