The lockdown has been a challenging time for most in South Africa and for sportsmen and women, it has been that little bit tougher as their livelihoods depend on their been exceptionally fit at all times.

All professional sportsmen and women are on dedicated fitness programmes which they are doing during the lockdown, however, time on the road is what the players need in order to be able to reach the levels that they need to be at.

On Thursday people may hear that they can start jogging and cycling again after President Cyril Ramaphosa hinted last week that exercising will be permitted under extremely strict conditions. But it remains to be seen what these conditions will be, and if one may not jog or cycle there will really be no difference in the way people have been training up until now.

“Staying fit is one thing during this lockdown, but the problem is actually trying to stay fit. You must understand that some of us, and especially me, I’m in a very small house at the moment and I am very limited as to what I can do.

“I will be fit but I won’t be at the fitness level where I want to be. The lockdown also takes a toll on you mentally, to actually get up and get going. That is what I am finding the longer we have been in this lockdown thing.

“It is important, but once everything gets lifted and we can get out and get some running done and all that, I am sure my fitness and everyone else’s will get back. We want to stay fit, but it is just a little bit difficult.”

Earlier in April the newly appointed Director of Cricket for Cricket South Africa, Graeme Smith, conceded that the players will need at least six weeks before a tour or series to get in shape.

The series against Sri Lanka was postponed last week, and the next series in line for the Proteas is the tour to the West Indies scheduled for July and August.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport