By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
SELF-ISOLATED chess International Master Andrew Kayonde has pleaded with the Zambian public to heed medical expert advice of staying home as it is the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Kayonde who has been in quarantine since his return from South Africa last month, where he won the 2020 Boardwalk Pearson Open Chess Festival IM section, said the isolation had proved useful in as much as it was a lonely journey.
But the six-time national champion was saddened with the attitude by some travellers who do not want to self –isolate.
“For my own good and that of others, I have self isolated quite effectively.Well, I needed rest after a very strong tournament so the isolation proved useful.The timeline we are in is quite horrifying. Let’s play our part in stopping the spread of this morbid disease. Let’s stay home,” Kayonde said.
He said the suspension of all chess activities due to the pandemic will affect player’s form but will use the period as an opportunity to be ahead of his competitors.
Kayonde urged athletes not to relent during this difficult period and devise individual training programmes to remain in shape.
“According to initial plans, at present, I should have been playing in a tournament in Lesotho and immediately thereafter travel to UAE for a very strong event. However, Covid-19 has led to all major events being either cancelled or postponed. We have a very unusual period of inactivity,” Kayonde said
“This will certainly have an adverse effect on form. However, this applies to all players globally. All things are equal. So, tough as it may be, I shall use the period as an opportunity to get ahead of competitors,” he added.
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