After lightening strike kills 2 players, Safa advised that games be suspended during thunderstorms

Following the death of two young soccer players due to a lightning strike in the northern Cape, the South African Football Association (Safa) has advised its affiliates to not play matches during thunderstorms.

A statement from Safa said the two Gasegonyana Local Football Association players who were ‘in the prime of their lives and playing careers’, were tragically struck by lightning and subsequently passed away.

Safa asked its chief medical officer Dr Thulani Ngwenya to prepare an urgent advisory to all its members throughout the country so as to prevent any further occurrences. “We, therefore, ask that you share this advisory with every club in your province, region and LFA as a precautionary measure and to educate our members on how to deal with lightning strikes,” read the statement.

“We also wish the families, friends and colleagues of the two departed footballers all the strength that the Almighty can provide them in this time of great sadness for the South African football community.”

Ngwenya urged affiliates to employ the 30-30 rule to know when to seek a safer location. “The 30-30 rule states that when you see lightning, count the time until you hear thunder,” he said.

“If this time is 30 seconds or less, go immediately to a safer place. If you can’t see the lightning, just hearing the thunder means lightning is likely to be within striking range.

“After the storm has apparently dissipated or moved on, wait 30 minutes or more after hearing the last thunder before leaving the safer location or returning to the field of play.”

Read: Alex football urges City to build them a stadium

Send your condolences to the players’ families. Tweet @AlexNewsZA or WhatsApp us with your messages on 079 439 5345.