Chiefs doctor explains why Covid-19 hit Amakhosi simply can’t play

Kaizer Chiefs’ move to try and have enough players to honour their DStv Premiership fixture against Golden Arrows on Wednesday appears to have been damaged irreparably by more positive Covid-19 cases in camp.

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Five positive tests were added to the 31 Chiefs recorded a few days ago, bringing the total to 36. This was revealed by team physician Dr Hashendra Ramjee on Tuesday evening.

This was after a Soccer Laduma story emerged earlier on Tuesday suggesting that the Naturena side were trying to get a team together to continue with their fixtures. The club already refused to play their home fixture against Cape Town City last weekend because of the same reasons.

“The Kaizer Chiefs football club medical team dealt with the recent Covid crisis within the club by following the current NICD and Department of Health protocols for positive cases and contacts,” said Dr Ramjee.

“The positive cases were requested to self-isolate and primary contacts were asked to quarantine for a period of 10 days as per these protocols. All players and staff have been regularly monitored.

“Repeat testing was implemented in the last 48 hours for players and staff who were in quarantine.

“These tests unfortunately revealed five more positive cases, which justified the approach taken by the club in terms of our responsibility to our players, staff and to the football community.

“Further to this, players who have tested positive and completed their self-isolation period will be managed with an evidence based graduated return to play protocol and algorithm used for elite athletes.”

Dr Ramjee estimated that it would take a further seven days for players to be ready to play after coming off quarantine which could mean Amakhosi will not be able to honour any of their remaining fixtures before the Christmas break.

Chiefs have already withdrawn from their game against Golden Arrows and it looks unlikely they will be able to play Sekhukhune United on Sunday.