Pirates midfielder Motshwari tests positive for Covid-19

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Ben Motshwari has tested positive for Covid-19.

Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports

Motshwari is the first high-profile professional soccer player to test positive for the virus.

According to the club, the 29-year-old had flu-like symptoms last week after which the club sent him for tests and their worst fears have now been confirmed.

Motshwari will be quarantined at home for the next two weeks and it remains to be seen whether anyone else in the Buccanneers’ squad has contracted the virus.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Ben Motshwari has tested positive for COVID-19. Ben was presented with flu like symptoms last week and after undergoing tests, his results have come back positive,” Pirates confirmed on the club’s official website.

“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. In accordance with relevant protocols, NHI has been notified of the case by the Club. The health and wellbeing of our players, officials, and the wider community remains our highest priority in this difficult time.

“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. We urge everybody to continue practicing safe and healthy measures to contain and mitigate the spread of the infection. Always wash your hands; wear masks in public and always remember to practice social distancing.”