Ex Bafana defender Booth backs lockdown

Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth knows the impact for society of going into a lockdown in South Africa, but says the measures are necessary if we are to bring a halt to the spread of the coronavirus.

South Africans will be confined to their homes for a 21-day period from today, with only limited visits to the shops, pharmacies or to seek medical care.

There is no doubt many will be inconvenienced, but Booth says drastic times call for drastic measures.

“It is unprecedented; we have not seen anything like this on a global scale since the Spanish flu outbreak [in 1918]. It is a complete eye-opener, and I think it exposes how vulnerable we are to new viruses. It is scary, but there are also lessons that we can learn from this,” Booth says.

“It is going to be a massive blow for our economy, but it [the lockdown] is an absolute necessity and a brave decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government.

“What has been pleasing as well is that the move has the backing of all political parties in the country, and that is what we needed, to send out a clear signal to the public to do the right thing.

“The positive to all of this is that you get to spend a lot more time with your family. I have got a lot of chores to do at home!”

Booth retired six years ago after an illustrious career in the South African top-flight and Russia, which also saw him play for Bafana and take his place in the squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. –Supersports