Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth believes the 21-day lockdown is an ‘absolute necessity’ and is a brave decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South Africans will be confined to their homes for a 21-day lockdown period starting from Friday, with only limited visits to the shops, pharmacies or to seek medical care.

And in light of the coronavirus pandemic plaguing the world, all football matches and football events in the country has since been suspended until further notice.

Booth admits the lockdown will be an inconvenience but believes that drastic times call for drastic measures.

‘It is unprecedented, we have not seen anything like this on a global scale since the Spanish flu outbreak [in 1918]. It is a complete eye-opener, and I think it exposes how vulnerable we are to new viruses. It is scary, but there are also lessons that we can learn from this,’ Booth told Safa.

‘It is going to be a massive blow for our economy, but it [the lockdown] is an absolute necessity and a brave decision by State President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government.

‘What has been pleasing as well is that the move has the backing of all political parties in the country, and that is what we needed, to send out a clear signal to the public to do the right thing.

‘The positive to all of this is that you get to spend a lot more time with your family. I have got a lot of chores to do at home!’

The Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender admits that he’ll miss the gym but has urged football fans to to join him in keeping fit during self-isolation and during the 21 day lock down.

‘I will miss my gym regimen, I’ll be doing a lot more skipping and shadow boxing at home with my boys. That will help to keep them and myself busy and fit,’ he added.

‘Life is a lot more important, and saving lives is a lot more important. Sportspeople have a huge role to play in making people aware of what they need to do so that we can beat this pandemic.’