The Sunday News
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
LIVING in a country that is one of the heavily affected by the coronavirus means one has to take extra safety measures.
Zimbabwe Sables skipper, Brendon Mandivenga who plays for CUS Genova Rugby in the Italian Serie A has had to take additional precautions so as to avoid being infected by the virus. Mandivenga conceded that he had fears that he could catch Covid-19 but through being extra careful, he has managed to remain uninfected. With over 207 000 total cases and deaths in excess of 28 000, Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by Covid-19.
“It has been very hard being in a country that was hit really hard. Knowing that you could catch the virus at any point was the real scare for me. Although our area wasn’t too bad you can never be sure about it so I had to be extra careful,’’ Mandivenga said.
To stay safe, Mandivenga has had to make sure he stuck to guidelines set out by the Italian government and washing his hands as frequently.
“I’ve made sure that I’ve only left the house when necessary as well as following the guidelines that were set out by the government as well as washing my hands as often as possible.”
Mandivenga was also fortunate that the area in which he is based was not that severely affected by Covid-19. He is based in the Northern part of Italy where there has been a complete lockdown with no one allowed in and out of the city as well as staying indoors other than essential work services and shopping. He has been keeping in shape by doing workouts at home that have been recommended by both his club as well as Sables Strength and Conditioning coach Daniel Hondo. Mandivenga, who usually operates at flyhalf for the Sables played at fullback for his Italian club for the bulk of the season.
Because of Covid-19, the Serie A, Italy’s second tier league which was supposed to come to conclude this month was brought to an abrupt end. Mandivenga is grateful to his club for being supportive during such a difficult time since he is still getting a certain portion of his salary.
“Our league has been declared void and will have to start again next season. My club has been very helpful during this period and have suggested to help me whenever they can. We have had salary cuts but it is very understandable but at least we are getting a percentage of our salary to keep us going through these troubled times,’’ Mandivenga said.
Initially, Mandivenga had signed a one-year contract but he is working on extending his stay in Italy for another season.
Mandivenga only played one match as the Sables won the Victoria Cup last year, with an ankle injury ruling him out of the other five fixtures.
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