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Pirates urge fans 'not to panic' after first PSL coronavirus case

Orlando Pirates administrative manager Floyd Mbele has urged supporters to remain calm but vigilant after Ben Motshwari tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday.

The 29-year-old became the first Premier Soccer League (PSL) player confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus and will now be quarantined at home for the next two weeks.

Speaking to the IOL website, Mbele said now was not the time to panic as the league gears up to make a return to action, under strict guidance and supervision.

"Let us not think too far. This is just one in 480 (PSL) players. This is not a time where we can start to panic," Mbele said.

"The messaging is consistent. This goes to show that this thing (the coronavirus) is there.

"We've been talking about it when it was not here. We must take all the protective measures, stay at home and practice social distancing."

Talks are ongoing as to when it may be possible to restart the 2019/20 PSL season, although no possible dates have been set.

In a message to all South Africans, Pirates urged citizens of Mzansi to continue practicing safe and healthy measures to contain and mitigate the spread of the infection.

"Always wash your hands, wear masks in public and always remember to practice physical distancing."

- TEAMtalk media

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