25 Jun 2020

Always Open Medical Centre’s Dr Donald Ariisa has advised the netball leadership to manage effects of COVID-19 while continuing to enjoy the sport.

He said this in Gaborone recently when he engaged netball leadership on understanding the impact ofCOVID-19. 

Dr Ariisa appealed to Botswana Netball Association (BONA)leadership to guide players accordingly and comply with the protocols of COVID-19.

He advised that frequent testing for coronavirus would be costly and therefore it was important to adhere to preventative measures.

 “Engage players and all other stakeholders in the game in order to mitigate the risk of contracting the virus and enjoy the game under protocols of the new normal,” said Dr Ariisa.

A psychologist at the University of Botswana, Emma July, submitted an impact assessment needed for all to be back in the game.

July said the COVID-19 pandemic was a global crisis and therefore its management such as closing borders and restricting movement impacted negatively on sport.

 “The pandemic has impacted on training plans of athletes and officials. It has forced change on the routine training as there was limited interaction. It also resulted in isolation, inactive and unhealthy lifestyle and loss of financial income,” she said.

July urged netball management to take heed on the need to access and manage the impact of COVID-19, adding that individuals responded differently to stressful events.

She said loss of income would have negative impact post COVID-19 and therefore such a challenge ought to be addressed accordingly.

“With pressure from family issues and other challenges likely to have occurred during the extreme social distancing period , some players might have lost focus, hence the need for psychosocial support for all in the netball family or any other sport,” she said.

Furthermore, she said coping with challenges depended on psychosocial support as well as holistic development of an athlete and officials.

July was scheduled to have an assessment session with netball players on July 12 to access the impact of staying for long away from the field of play and accordingly advice BONA on the way forward.  ENDS