The news comes as the league was set to meet in order to discuss the way forward. As is the case with all sport in South Africa, football is also suspended because of the global pandemic.

The 29-year-old has been placed in self-isolation for the next two weeks.

The Sea Robbers confirmed the news via a statement which also stated that they will be trying to trace the source of the infection to ensure that the further spread is halted.

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Ben Motshwari has tested positive for COVID-19," read the statement by the Mayfair-based club.

“Ben was presented with flu-like symptoms last week and after undergoing tests, his results have come back positive.

“The player is asymptomatic and is currently in home isolation for the next 14 days. He will need to test negative before he is cleared.

“The Club has also advised that the player must notify the doctors of all the people that he has been in contact with to ensure that they also get tested.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Portuguese football club, Belenenses, released a statement confirming that the 21-year-old midfielder, Sphephelo Sithole, was the first South African player to contract the virus.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport