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EFA WALKING THE TALK

19/03/2020 09:03:00 Themba Zwane

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MBABANE – Practise what you preach!

This common saying holds true for the country’s football mother body, the Eswatini Football Association, (EFA) in as far as taking precaution against the COVID-19 (coronavirus) is concerned. The association is not only preaching the word but they are practising what they preach. Yesterday, a visit was paid to the EFA offices, housed at Sigwaca House in Mbabane and the Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi Radebe narrated how they were taking prevention measures as an association. It is worth noting that the EFA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frederick Mngometulu, announced last week that all football activities are suspended indefinitely in light of the coronavirus, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared a global crisis.

Sanitisers

“We are encouraged by management to always use sanitizers in the offices for hygienic purposes as part of prevention measures against the pandemic,” said Radebe. He also disclosed that they had availed the sanitizers almost everywhere in their premises, including the bathrooms. “We are encouraging all football people and the entire nation to follow the outlined precaution measures as per the recommendations of WHO and Ministry of Health,” he urged. The communications officer further pointed out that they were adhering to all FIFA instructions on prevention measures against the virus and mentioned that the world’s football mother body FIFA sent them a communiqué to encourage such measures which they have to share with their member associations.

The statement reiterates FIFA’s undivided support to WHO in fighting coronavirus by launching an awareness campaign led by six world-renowned coaches. These coaches are assigned to encourage people across the world to follow five key tactics that tackle the spread of the virus. It is stated that with tactics playing such a key role in football success, the coaches are united behind the five-step game plan to defeat the virus – hands, elbow, face, distance and feel – in line with the WHO’s basic protective measures against COVID-19. According to the statement, by following respiratory hygiene, one was protecting the people around them from contracting viruses, such as cold, flu and coronavirus.

“Hand touching too many surfaces can quickly pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your face from where the virus can move inside your body, making you feel unwell,” reads part of the statement. Jose Mourinho, the 2010 FIFA World Coach of the Year for men’s football and current Tottenham Hotspur manager, was quoted in the statement as saying: “In terms of social interaction, take a step back. Stay one metre distance minimum from everyone that coughs or sneezes. By maintaining such social distancing, you are helping to avoid breathing in any droplets from someone who sneezes or coughs in close proximity.”

Jill Ellis, coach of the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup winning USA teams, requested that people remain at home if feeling sickly. “If you feel unwell, stay home,” she appealed, adding that,” in some countries, isolation might be advisable for healthy persons too. Please follow all instructions from your local health authority. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Equally, local health authorities provide the latest information on the situation in your area. Please follow their specific instructions, and call in advance to allow them to direct you to the appropriate local health facility.This serves to protect you and to help prevent the spread of virus and other infections.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stressed on the importance of people learning more about the threat of this virus so that they are safe. “Follow these recommendations and support the WHO in their efforts to tackle the coronavirus. Together, we will win this difficult match,” he is quoted as saying.