Guest Article By Malikah Hamza
When we emerge from the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, my goal is to be a much better hockey player and cricketer than when we entered the first lockdown.
This is non-negotiable. I know that when the selectors and scouts sit down to make their picks, they won't be going, 'Ag shame, she's not playing so good because she couldn't train for a few months'. No, they'll pick someone else who's playing better.
I guess it's like that in all areas of life. When we take our eye off the ball it's quite easy to miss it or nick it.
We're at home in Johannesburg busy preparing for the end-of-year Pro Series indoor Provincial hockey tournament, followed immediately after the New Year by the Under 21 World Cup selection camp.
With a week to go before the first competition begins, four of my team-mates have tested positive for Covid. We think the way it happened was that the brother of one of the players got it, and then she – not realising she had picked it up – visited her best friend, who is also in the team...
Of course, we are becoming more and more aware of how many young people Covid is infecting now. Mostly, it's because of irresponsible behaviour, like going to parties and not wearing masks. They're probably still thinking the virus affects the elderly more than it effects them. It is only when it infects someone they know that they realise how dangerous it is.
Among the biggest challenges Covid has brought to sport this year – to players and fans – is the requirement to play matches in empty stadiums. We've played some matches where spectators have been allowed, and others in totally empty arenas.
It's obviously much better when there's a crowd to motivate you. When there's nobody watching it can feel like a practice match, but once we're in the game it's all the same to me. I still give 100% effort.
If you want to follow your dreams, you must grab the opportunities that come your way. And work on creating new opportunities. Covid or not.
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