Share

Ngidi urges SA sports fans to show patience

Proteas speedster Lungi Ngidi has urged South African sports fans to be patient as the national lockdown continues.

With the sporting world in limbo amidst the global fight against the coronavirus, South Africa's national cricketers face uncertain times in the weeks and months to come. 

The Proteas are set to tour Sri Lanka for a limited overs series in June and then the West Indies for two Tests in July, but both of those tours are in doubt. 

Then, there is the IPL. 

The 2020 edition of cricket's most lucrative product was due to get underway on 29 March and was then suspended until 15 April, but the latest word is that it has now been postponed indefinitely.

Ngidi was due to turn out for the Chennai Super Kings, but there is no way of knowing when the tournament will be staged. 

The absence of sport is having a significant financial impact on players, sponsors, unions and broadcasters, but Ngidi has urged South Africans to put things into perspective.

"All we can do is wait. The safety of humanity comes first and cricket comes second," he said on Thursday.

"All I can say to fellow South Africans and sports followers is that patience is what is going to help us in this time period. Rushing something like this is not going to help us in any way moving forward.

"If anything, it will put us in danger. We have seen around the world what happens when you don't follow the rules ... the situation can get out of hand.

"Yes, the lockdown is difficult. But if we're thinking about the bigger picture, which is the future of South Africa, then I think it's very important for us to abide by the rules and wait this out as we've been asked to."

- Compiled by Lloyd Burnard

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE