Africa Region 5 introduces athletes online doctor tips
African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 has launched online “Morning Doctor” programme to guide athletes, coaches and administrators on how to cope with physical exercises, psychology and nutrition.
In a statement on Tuesday, AUSC chief executive officer Stanley Mutoya stated that the weekly 30-minute programme, to be hosted via Facebook Live every Wednesday at 10am, is an intervention to try and deal with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“A lot of athletes, coaches and administrators are struggling to cope with issues related to exercise, physical activity, health and nutrition. Most importantly, some sportspersons are battling anxiety that could lead to depression,” he explained.
“The ‘Morning Doctor’ provides solutions to potential hazards by educating the sports movement on how to adjust their exercise, fitness, physical activity, diet and training periodisation, among others.”
Malawian athletes have welcomed the programme as a good initiative that would help them to be in good shape.
Nyasa Big Bullets captain Chimango Kayira said: “This is a great development for us to have such an auspicious programme on Facebook. The battle against this pandemic has affected us greatly.”
Malawi Netball Queens’ captain Caroline Mtukule-Ngwira and long distance runner Kefasi Kasiteni said the online doctor will show them the right way to keep their strength and mind focused as they wait for the start of sporting activities.
“My interest is on diet. The programme will be essential in teaching us the type and quantity of food to eat to avoid getting fat prior to the start of competitions. As you know, it is not easy to have the right diet where there is no guidance from an expert,” said Mtukule-Ngwira. According to the AUSC, the programme is being hosted by a South African doctor Phatokuhle Zondi, who is a sports and exercise medicine physician experienced in clinical sports medicine, general management and leadership.
