Golf course managers versus Egyptian geese. Cricket SA is going through some changes. And your lockdown vegging days are over: gyms are opening, and they’re waiting to get you sweating – in a socially distanced way. Let’s talk about some sport…
Look, we know. It’s confusing enough trying to keep track of the latest COVID-19 statistics, and what you are and aren’t allowed to do during lockdown (here’s a quick guide to your Level 2 rules – you’re welcome). How can a sports fan be expected to keep up with what’s going on with their favourite games?
Not to worry – we’ve got you covered. Every week we take a look around and round up the most interesting sports writings out there – just for you.
Here’s what we found out this week…
Gyms: Time To Get Your Swole On
The multi-billion rand fitness industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with almost 30,000 employees in over 1,000 gyms across the country taking some strain (and doing some very muscular protesting) while being forced to sit out the earlier stages of lockdown. But with lockdown level 2, smaller gyms have started to re-open – and from tomorrow, South Africa’s largest gyms, Virgin Active and Planet Fitness, are back in action as well, with appropriate measures: temperature checks, continuous deep cleaning regimes, space for social distancing, booking ahead. But let Virgin Active’s FAQs tell you more. Oh, and the Ideas Cartel has launched SA’s first COVID-19 compliant workout pod, converting co-working spaces into glass-sealed fitness spaces. So now you just need to figure out how much exercise is enough for you. And hey, good news. If you want to skip your workout and take in a movie, Ster Kinekor will be opening up soon as well. And if leg day leaves you too tired to make it home, here’s what you need to know about Airbnbs, hotels and the like.
Confusion Remains in Amateur Contact Sport, Recreational Sport
Unfortunately, the easing of lockdown regulations to Level 2 has brought hope but more confusion for thousands of amateur contact sport and recreational sport in the land. When quizzed for answers, Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa and his entourage appealed to the masses early in the week to give the authorities a couple of days so they could draft the directives to guide the sector in the new level. By the end of the week, nothing much was cleared. The South African Football Association (SAFA), the biggest federation in the country, on Thursday announced that they have submitted a request for the resumption of amateru football under Level 2 to the Government in line with Regulations gazetted on 17 August 2020. That’s all we know so far – but we’ll keep you posted, not to worry.
Cricket SA: Crisis, Legends & Transformation Talks
So…okay, let’s start with the good news. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has inducted three retired greats of the game into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame: SA’s celebrated all-rounder Jacques Kallis (the fourth South African player to make the list ever); Australian World Cup-winning all-rounder Lisa Sthalekar; and Pakistan’s Zaheer Abbas, once known as the Asian Bradman. Well done, gents! On the other hand…CSA president Chris Nenzani has resigned and acting Cricket SA CEO Jacques Faul has quit his post, former cricketer and national team selection Hussein Mannack and 40 black former cricketers and coaches are calling for CSA to be transparent about how Proteas head coach Mark Boucher and director of cricket Graeme Smith were appointed, and the South African Cricketers’ Association has issued a stern warning that the state of the game in the country is in crisis. Meanwhile, the Board of CSA has announced the appointment of Kugandrie Govendor as new Acting CEO with immediate effect. This is interesting news and some vote of confidence for a woman to be given the task to steer the ship during the Women’s Month.
Golfing Apps, Teen Tiger And Egyptian Geese
Leopard Creek Country Golf Club in Malelane, South Africa. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
As sports go, golf is better suited to a pandemic than many others – social distancing is practically built into the game (for anybody who’s not looking to get a golf ball to the side of the head). So it’s no surprise that recreational golf opened up (under suitable safety conditions) under Lockdown Level 3, and, while there have been a few missteps, amateurs and pros alike have been able to get in a few swings ever since. GolfRSA helped by covering the annual subscription costs of the HealthDocs App for all golf clubs throughout the country, helping address COVID-19 compliance regulations while ensuring best practice management of the health of the facility’s employees and patrons. But they haven’t gotten as far as helping golfers deal with the Egyptian geese who basically run every golf course – a problem I’m sure you agree required dedicated scientific study – or the call for housing to be built on golf courses. And speaking of golf course bosses: Tiger Woods is back (again)…and he’s caddying for his tournament-winning tween son.
And that’s what’s been going down this week in sport. Okay, time to find that gym card…
Did we miss anything? Any interesting developments we should be talking about? Why not let us know at info@capeat6sport.co.za Or if you want to know more about what’s been happening in sport during lockdown, why not check out the latest issue of the Cape At 6 magazine?
