Leemisa Thuseho

WITH sporting activities still on hold across the country due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the Lesotho Golf Union (LGU) has submitted its detailed plan to the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation for it to be allowed to resume its activities.

All sporting activities were halted by the government in March when it imposed a national lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19. The moratorium on sporting activities has remained in place despite Lesotho’s lockdown ending on 19 May 2020 as authorities remain alert to stop the spread of the disease.
The country has so far, recorded four cases of Covid-19.

LGU vice president Makase Nyapisi told the Sunday Express that they have submitted their plan to the Sport ministry seeking permission to resume their activities since gold is not a contact sport.

He said the document is a general guide on how golf can be played within the framework of the protective measures that are still in force to keep the pandemic at bay.
Nyapisi said golf was a non-contact sport, therefore it can still be played while observing safety precautions.

“We want resume with our activities… golf is not a contact sport and it allows us to play while keeping physical distance,” Nyapisi said.

“We do not share equipment and there is no way we can experience physical contact. We will ensure that people who enter our course use personal protective equipment accordingly.”
He said their course is well equipped with hand washing facilities hence it is easy to adhere to the recommended hygienic guidelines that include frequent washing of hands.
“We will ensure that everyone is wearing gloves and we will not allow people in club showers while shoes will only be changed in the car park.”

He said their request for resumption is also informed by the fact that other countries that even have worse figures of Covid-19 infections have already resumed.
Pending the ministry’s response, Nyapisi said they are optimistic for a positive response from new Sports minister Likeleli Tampane.

For her part, Tampane confirmed reception of the union’s proposal.

She told the Sunday Express on Wednesday that while she was optimistic, the issue must be handled cautiously.

“We must be very cautious when dealing with the return of sports under the current situation.

“However, our door is open for all the sporting federations to submit their plans on how they think their respective sporting codes can be safely played,” Tampane said.