Chiefs youngster crushed after 2020 Olympics cancelled

Kaizer Chiefs youngster Happy Mashiane has expressed his utmost sadness following the cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan.

Read: Maluleka could be set for extended stay at Chiefs

This summer’s games were called off after the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, which has wreaked havoc around the globe with thousands of casualties already been confirmed.

Olympic dream deferred for Chiefs players - Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs youngster Happy Mashiane. (Image: Kaizer Chiefs.com)

Though he is disappointed as he was looking forward to appearing at his first Olympic games, Mashiane, 22, equally emphasized the importance of being safe rather than contracting the virus.

“Covid-19 is a serious concern to the world,” says Mashiane. “I wish that thesolution that will stop the spread of the disease could be found as quickly as possible because this can cause much damage to all of us. I was looking forward to the 2020 Olympics, but now what matters is getting over the pandemic, ” Mashiane told the official Chiefs website.

“Hearing such news at first was sad,” he laments. However, after clearly getting detailed information about the global disaster really changed my perspective. I realised it is better to be safe than sorry. We’drather all be safe from illness so that we can be fit to play in the future.

“It appears that the solution for now is social distancing and being hygenic at all times. We need to support the government’s efforts in fighting the disease. If you don’t do this then the virus will spread rapidly. I wish to thank the StatePresident for implementing the 21-day lockdown measures. I just hope everyone will adhere to this so that we are all safe.”

Despite being unable to carry out the usual duties, the Chiefs academy graduate shared the programme the club has put in place for him and his teammates.

“Firstly,in the morning go through my prescribed work out plan. I sanitise as much as possible throughout the day. I spend some of my time reading articles and guidelines regarding prevention and symptoms of this epidemic, ” he added.

Mashiane and Siyabonga Ngezana were on hand to help the South African U-23 National team qualify for the Olympics after finishing third at the CAF U-23 Cup of Nations held in Egypt in November last year.