Ben Motshwari: Pirates Midfielder Recovers From Coronavirus

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from coronavirus more than a month after he was first diagnosed.

Motshwari’s two latest tests came back negative for COVID-19, the Buccaneers said in a statement on Monday.

The club says the 29-year-old player has therefore recovered and will no longer be subjected to the home isolation and can resume light training.

In an interview with Pirates portal, Motshwari thanked all his well-wishers for the support during his month-long ordeal.

“I would like to thank everybody for the words of support during my time off. It wasn’t easy but the words of encouragement that I received is what kept me going. So, thank you all, I really appreciate it,” the midfielder said.

Motshwari, who is used to dishing out the tackles on the opposition in the field of play, found himself having to deal with an opponent of epic proportions off it.

“My initial response to the news that I had contracted coronavirus was complete shock,” Motshwari recalls.

“It’s not something you expect especially being a young and healthy athlete. We tend to think these things happen to other people other than ourselves, but I learned very quickly that this isn’t necessarily the case. The coronavirus does not discriminate, it doesn’t care who you are.

“This is a reality that we all must come to terms with. Having experienced what I have gone through this past month, I would like to encourage people to take heed of the messages of social distancing; the washing of hands and also those wearing a mask when in public.

“The only way we can beat this thing is to adhere to these safety measures and not underestimate this pandemic.”

Motshwari was the second professional player to test positive of the coronavirus in Africa and it happened after the recovery of Morocco’s Omar Zekri who turns for US Ben Gerdane.

The South Africa Premier Soccer League 2019/20 season is still under suspension since mid-March and there is no update from the federation on the way forward.