JOHANNESBURG: There have been seven positive tests for novel coronavirus (Covid-19) at four clubs as the South African Premiership — the richest in Africa — prepares to restart.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari was the first player to be infected with the Covid-19 disease and has made a full recovery.

Another midfielder, Given Mashikinya from Bloemf­ontein Celtic, also tested positive and is in quarantine.

Also in self-isolation are two unnamed Kaizer Chiefs players and three unidentified non-playing members of the Stellenbosch FC staff.

“The affected duo will be in self isolation for the stipulated period of 14 days,” a Chiefs statement said. “They will be retested after the isolation period and if their tests come back negative, they will be able to rejoin the squad.”

A Stellenbosch official said: “We are assisting the staff members to recover as safely and speedily as possible and mitigate the risk of exposure to other employees.”

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2020