Three Covid Cases Amongst South African Olympic Team in Tokyo

South Africa has reported three positive cases of Covid-19 amongst its team at the Olympic Village in Tokyo.

Team Manager Mxolisi Sibam said in a SAFA (South African Football Association) press release on Sunday that “we have three positive cases of COVID-19 in the camp here, two players and an official”.

The two football players were named as Thabiso Monyane and Kamohelo Mahlatsi. The official is Video Analyst Mario Masha.

Sibam explained: “There is daily screening… Masha and Monyane reported high temperatures and positive saliva tests, and were then taken to do the nasal test… and they unfortunately tested positive for COVID-19. Mahlatsi is the latest player to go through the same process.”

The team has therefore been quarantined until it has been cleared to train again. Tests were taken earlier today, and they are awaiting results.

SA’s football squad is due to face the host, Japan, on Thursday, in their group which also includes Mexico and France.

Sibam said: “This unfortunate situation has made us miss our first intensive training session last night.”

Team SA’s men’s rugby sevens squad also went into quarantine on 14 July after landing in Tokyo, because of a Covid-19 positive case on board their flight.

None of the South Africans returned a positive test, but a passenger not linked to the squad produced a positive return which led to the knock-on effect.

The qualifying group for Team SA’s men Sevens include the USA, Kenya and Ireland.

The Olympics starts on 26 July. If you’re in South Africa, stream the Olympics on Showmax!