Things just got real.
In my last two columns, I’ve pleaded with the sporting world to take the coronavirus seriously.
And today, with a national lockdown in full effect, I’m asking all of you to do the same.
This is not the time to drop the ball, you have to be at your best to overcome this. We are playing for each others’ lives.
The next three weeks’ experiment is going to test me, you, your family, our country and the world.
Government has given us the game plan, now it’s time to implement it.
I’m going to use this column to help coach you through this.
SAFETY FIRST: Make sure you have your kit . Picture: Supplied.
Obviously, I’ve never been in this situation before, but I have a couple ideas that I would like you to think about as we pack down to push back against this invisible adversary.
Remember, individual success isn’t the product of talent, it’s the ability to be coachable - to learn.
And Matthew’s Golden Rule: Safety first, then teamwork.
The rules:
Bly by die huis
How tough can this be?
By now, you should have stocked up for at least a week.
Remember this is about survival. You don’t have to buy stuff at Woolworths and live off luxuries and wyn.
Slaan ‘n pot sop aanmekaar to make sure there is something to eat.
It’s the wholesome things that will get you through this.
If you have someone in the house that can bake bread, learn from them.
I understand that our domestic situations are not the same - some of us have it really tough at home. Maybe this time helps us realise that blood is thicker than water.
At this time when we realise just how interconnected to our communities we are.
It’s the ones closest to us that shape who we are - for good or bad.
Be more kind to one another, listen to each other. And if someone needs some space, give them that even when there is only a little in your home.
Remember, the less you go out, the less chance you stand of contracting the virus and spreading it to your family.
Government’s plan demands strict discipline or you could end up getting six months in the sin bin.
Don’t be dom and break from the plan - you could cost the whole team.
NOT ON THE SIDELINES: Time to play your part. Picture: Supplied.
As much faith as I have in my fellow South Africans, plans could change and we need to be ready to be adaptable.
So listen to the news. When you see government officials talking, make sure you have the latest recommendations.
An essential source of information during this crisis is government’s Covid-19 Whatsapp group.
If you haven’t joined it yet, Whatsapp 060 012 3456 and send them a “Hi”.
You will get access to all the latest news.
It will give you alerts on scams going on in the communities even, so you know what to look out for.
Someone is going to have to make food runs and get medicine if you need it.
So you have to pick the best player on your team to get the job done.
It’s going to be a risk every time you leave the house, so don’t take this lightly.
Shops aren’t going to be open like they usually are, so find out when it’s your time to go and stick to it.
You have to kit up properly. If you have a pair of gloves and a mask, use them when you go out.
Also, set a timer. Go out and get back home as fast as you can.
There will be roadblocks, so don’t take chances. Following the rules is the best way to get your family the supplies that you need.
Remember, the police have to enforce these regulations and if you don’t follow the rules, you might only get home six months later.
Take responsibility
SPAN SAAM: We must all work together right now. Picture: Supplied.
OK. So breathe.
After asking all of you to do your part and play for the greater good, remember not to lose yourself.
In all of this, there will be time for me, me, me.
And I don’t mean you can do as you lus. I mean use the time to better yourself. Find something constructive to do.
If you had an idea for a business, now is the time to put in the work to come up with a plan and develop your ideas.
Otherwise, get fit. And no, this doesn’t mean go for jog or walking your dogs.
Skip, do burbies, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, plank, squats - get working on that summer body so when the beaches re-open you don’t look like you belong in the ocean.
So that’s it. Remember: safety first, then teamwork.
Mense, please protect yourselves and your families as we go through this together.
And never lose hope, we’re all rooting for one another.
matthew.marcus@inl.co.za